Guthrie card
Standard filter paper card used to collect dried blood spots from newborns for metabolic screening programs.
Full Definition
A specialized filter paper collection device developed by Dr. Robert Guthrie for newborn screening programs to detect inherited metabolic disorders. The card contains designated circles where heel stick blood is applied and allowed to dry, creating dried blood spots suitable for laboratory analysis of multiple conditions including phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, and cystic fibrosis. Proper collection technique requires filling the circles completely from one side of the paper to ensure adequate sample quality. The cards must be dried thoroughly before transport and storage to maintain sample integrity for laboratory testing.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize the surname Guthrie; may be written as 'Guthrie test' in some contexts.
In Context
- "The Guthrie card was properly filled and submitted for newborn screening analysis." — Laboratory requisition
- "Inadequate blood volume on the Guthrie card required repeat collection for screening." — Quality assurance report