Introduction: The present study compared blood lactate and glucose values obtained from capillary and venous samples, and examined the utility of a modified capillary tube (55 mm in length) for a YSI 2300 Stat analyzer.
Methods: Sixteen subjects (17-26 yrs) completed a graded exercise test using a cycle ergometer. Blood samples were collected during the last minute of each three minute stage from an indwelling venous catheter and via finger puncture. All samples were analyzed for glucose and lactate using the YSI 2300 Stat analyzer (Yellow Springs Instruments, Yellow Springs, OH).
Results: Post hoc analysis indicated that venous blood lactate values were significantly lower than capillary values at 150 (p = 0.03) and 200 (p = 0.002) Watts. No differences were measured between the venous and capillary blood glucose values.
Conclusions: Attempts should be made to quantify potential capillary and venous differences in blood lactate resulting from various experimental protocols and environments.