Orientador: Regina Kiomi Takahira / Banca: Luiz Henrique de Araújo Machado / Banca: Simone Gonçalves Rodrigues Gomes / Resumo: O fator VIII (FVIII), o fator de von Willebrand (FvW) e o fibrinogênio são de suma importância na coagulação sanguínea, com diferentes funções fisiológicas. Por conter altas concentrações destes fatores a transfusão de crioprecipitado é uma terapia utilizada principalmente em pacientes que apresentam Doença de von Willebrand, Hemofilia A (deficiência do FVIII), ou pacientes que sofrem de hipo ou disfibrinogenemia. Este hemocomponente é um precipitado obtido após o descongelamento parcial (entre 1 e 6°C) do plasma fresco congelado, e também é conhecido como fator anti-hemofílico. Estudos têm demonstrado que o protocolo de congelamento e armazenamento do crioprecipitado afeta a qualidade do produto e a viabilidade destes fatores. Com o objetivo de avaliar a viabilidade do crioprecipitado canino em diferentes protocolos de congelamento e armazenamento foram avaliados dois grupos compostos de 10 unidades de crioprecipitado canino (n=20). Após a centrifugação das bolsas de sangue, o plasma fresco foi congelado a -80ºC (grupo I) e a -20ºC (grupo II). Vinte e quatro horas após o congelamento das bolsas, estas foram submetidas ao procedimento de extração do crioprecipitado. Os crioprecipitados das bolsas dos dois grupos foram submetidos à determinação do TP, TTPA, FVIII, FvW e fibrinogênio, no momento zero e após seis meses de estocagem. Para a realização das coletas, foram utilizadas bolsas sanguíneas triplas de plástico, com anticoagulante CPDA-1, sendo a bolsa principal com capacidade para 450 mL de sangue total (JP Indústria Farmacêutica®). Após o crioprecipitado devidamente pronto, uma alíquota de aproximadamente 5 mL da bolsa de crioprecipitado foi separada em criotubos para análise da amostra pré-estocagem e seis meses pós estocagem. As amostras obtidas em cada momento foram congeladas à -80ºC até o momento do processamento. Os resultados mostraram um decréscimo significativo dos fatores e ... / Abstract: The factor VIII (FVIII), the von Willebrand factor (vWF) and the fibrinogen are extremely important to the blood clotting process, with various physiological functions. Because it contains high concentrations of these factors and fibrinogen, transfusing cryoprecipitate is a therapy mainly used in patients who have von Willebrand disease, Hemophilia A (FVIII deficiency), or who suffer from hypo/dysfibrinogenemia. This hemocomponent is a precipitate obtained after the partial thawing process (between 1 and 6ºC) of fresh frozen plasma, and which is also known as the anti-hemophilic factor. Studies have demonstrated that the cryoprecipitate freezing and storage protocol affects the product quality as well as these factors viability. In order to evaluate the canine cryoprecipitate viability in different freezing and storage protocols, two groups containing 10 units of canine cryoprecipitate (n=20) were evaluated. Following the blood centrifugation, the fresh plasma was frozen at -80ºC (group I) and at -20ºC (group II). Twenty-four hours after freezing the blood bags, they were submitted to the cryoprecipitate extraction procedure. The cryoprecipitate from both groups of blood bags were submitted to the TP, TTPA, FVIII, FvW and fibrinogen determination process, at time zero and after six months of storage. During the collections, triple plastic blood bags were used, along with the anticoagulant CPDA-1, being the main bag capacity of 450 mL of whole blood (JP Indústria Farmacêutica®). After having the cryoprecipitate properly ready, an approximately 5 mL aliquot of cryoprecipitate was separated into cryovials to be analysed pre-storage and six months after storage. However, there was no significant difference between treatments, demonstrating that the difference in initial freezing temperature did not influence the decrease of the factors after six months storage at -20°C / Mestre

Collecting blood from repeat blood donors is cost effective and safer compared to other donor types. At the end of 2012, 84% of the SANBS donor panel were inactive or lapsed. There is a lack of research available on lapsed donors in the South African context and available research is mostly quantitative with subtle contradictions. Donors who donated blood in 2012 at fixed site donor centres in Port Elizabeth, and did not return in 2013, were studied. A descriptive analysis was done and a random sample of 78 lapsed donors were selected to participate in a face-to-face interview. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. A grounded model was developed from various existing theories to seek out and conceptualise social patterns and structures of lapsed blood donors through a process of comparison. There were 10 062 donors who donated blood in 2012 and 4 923 became lapsed during 2013. Analysis of sub groups showed a higher proportion of donors who became lapsed in the following sub-categories: new donors (95%), re-joined donors (64%), black donors (63%), donors younger than 40 (61%), female donors (52%). The feedback received from the 11 participants highlighted peer pressure as the biggest motivator. Of the six communication theories applied, The Social Penetration Theory highlighted the cost-minus-benefit ratio which played a big role in a donor’s motivation and decision to return. The AIDA Marketing Model application described lapsed donor behaviour most comprehensively and it highlighted a missing step which was created as part of a Grounded Model and is called the AIDAA Model. The role and existence of peer pressure is directly linked to donor motivation and is categorised as an Action Motivator in the AIDAA Model. The new model creates additional recruitment opportunities which has not been explored and applied strategically before.

A coleta de sangue de cordão umbilical e placentário (SCUP) é uma atividade delegada ao enfermeiro, abrindo um novo campo de atuação para esse profissional que se configura em um novo processo de trabalho e na inserção de mais um procedimento no contexto da assistência obstétrica. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a vivência de enfermeiras no exercício da atividade de coleta de amostras de SCUP para armazenamento de células progenitoras hematopoiéticas. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem metodológica qualitativa. Os referenciais teórico e metodológico adotados neste estudo foram o Interacionismo Simbólico e a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Participaram do estudo nove enfermeiras que atuam na atividade de coleta de SCUP para bancos de sangue de privados e públicos. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas que foram gravadas e transcritas. A experiência da enfermeira que exerce a atividade de coleta de SCUP é compreendida pelas categorias: ACEITANDO A PROPOSTA DE TRABALHO, TENDO ATRIBUIÇÕES A CUMPRIR, PREPARANDO-SE PARA PROCEDER A COLETA DE SCUP, ENCONTRANDO CONDIÇÕES FAVORÁVEIS PARA REALIZAR A COLETA DE SCUP, UTILIZANDO ESTRATÉGIAS PARA GARANTIR A COLETA DE SCUP, ENCONTRANDO CONDIÇÕES DESFAVORÁVEIS PARA REALIZAR A COLETA DE SCUP, PROCEDENDO À COLETA DE SCUP, CONCLUINDO A COLETA DE SCUP e AVALIANDO O TRABALHO REALIZADO. Trabalhar como um profissional tendo de se inserir em um contexto desconhecido com profissionais que atuam em equipe nas diversas maternidades, coloca a enfermeira coletadora frente a situações que exigem rápida adaptação para que realize a coleta de SCUP, atendendo todas as recomendações exigidas para a coleta desse material. Um dos aspectos evidenciados e merecedor de destaque é o fato da enfermeira coletadora deparar-se com dificuldades referentes ao relacionamento com a equipe que presta assistência obstétrica; esta necessita compreender e incorporar em seu processo de trabalho no contexto da assistência ao parto que a enfermeira coletadora de SCUP presta serviço ao BSCUP público ou privado. Apesar das dificuldades relatadas pelas enfermeiras coletadoras no desenvolvimento de sua atividade, percebe-se que elas se encontram motivadas a continuar atuando nesse novo campo, seja pela remuneração, seja pela percepção de estar realizando uma atividade que beneficiará o tratamento de doenças. Vale ressaltar que este estudo poderá ajudar aos profissionais envolvidos no contexto do parto e nascimento a entenderem a atividade de coleta e a compreenderem que a equipe multiprofissional deve atuar em prol de um objetivo comum, além de serem informados a respeito do potencial que as células-tronco vêm mostrando no tratamento de doenças hematológicas / The umbilical cord blood (UCB) collection is an activity delegated to the nurse, opening a new field of action for this professional who is set on a new process of work and the insertion of a further procedure in the context of obstetrical care. The objective of this study was to understand the experience of nurses in the exercise of the activity of collecting samples of UCB for storage hematopoietic progenitor cells. This is a descriptive study with qualitative approach. The benchmarks theoretical and methodological used in this study were the Interacionism Symbolic and Grounded Theory. Were involved in the study nine nurses who serve in the activity of UCB collection for blood banks, on private and public institutions. The data were obtained through interviews that were recorded and transcribed. The experience of the nurse who carries out the activity of UCB collection is understood by the categories: ACCEPTING THE WORK PROPOSAL, HAVING TASKS TO DELIVER, PREPARING TO PROCEDER THE UCB COLLECTION, FACING FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS TO PROCEDURE THE UCB COLLECTION, USING STRATEGIES TO ASSURE THE UCB COLLECTION, FACING UNFAVOURABLE CONDITIONS TO PROCEDURE THE UCB COLLECTION, DOING THE UCB COLLECTION PROCEDURE, FINALIZING THE UCB COLLECTION PROCEDURE and UNALIZING THE WORK CARRIED. Working as a professional who needs to take part into an unknown context with other professionals who works together in various maternity, puts the nurse through situations that require quick adaptation to develop the UCB collection, attending all the recommendations required for the material collection. One of the aspects highlighted and worthy of note is the fact the nurse encounter themselves with difficulties relating to the relationship with the team that provides obstetrical care, which needs to understand and incorporate in the process of work in the context of assistance for delivery that the nurse provides service to coord bank. Despite the difficulties reported by nurses who develop this activity, is known that they are motivated to continue working in this new field, by the remuneration or by the perception of performing an activity that will benefit the treatment of diseases. This study may help the professionals involved in the obstetrical care to understand the activity of UCB collection and that the multiprofessional team should work towards a common goal, besides being informed about the potential that stem cells come showing in the treatment of hematological diseases

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-11-20T13:17:10Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Sarah Barboza Martins - 2013.pdf: 2809487 bytes, checksum: bf21b99c3be3beb9a86f860a74b72247 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-11-20T14:32:05Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Sarah Barboza Martins - 2013.pdf: 2809487 bytes, checksum: bf21b99c3be3beb9a86f860a74b72247 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-11-20T14:32:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Sarah Barboza Martins - 2013.pdf: 2809487 bytes, checksum: bf21b99c3be3beb9a86f860a74b72247 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-15 / The availability of blood products for cats is low, with one of the determining factors the requirement of sedation or anesthesia for blood collection. The blood pressure measurement is routine in clinical and anesthesiology, and may be used either the indirect methods, with easy implementation and low risk to the animals, or the direct method, more reliable. This study evaluated the safety of two anesthetic protocols and accuracy of two methods of indirect blood pressure measurement for blood collection in cats. We used five animals weighing 4.3 ± 0.5 kg submitted to two different anesthetic protocols at intervals of 30 days. For the femoral artery and jugular vein catheterization, the animals were anesthetized with isoflurane. Thirty minutes after end of instrumentation, anesthesia was again induced and maintained either with isoflurane (GI) or ketamine (10 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg / kg) (GCM) IM. After that we collected the whole blood (53mL) and replaced volume with ringer's lactate solution (20 mL / kg), and then allowed the anesthetic recovery. We analyzed the cardiac (FR) and respiratory (f) rate, the systolic (PAS), diastolic (PAD) and mean (PAM) arterial pressure with direct and oscillometric method, and PAS with Doppler ultrasound; oxyhemoglobin saturation ( SpO2) and central venous pressure (PVC). It were also collected arterial blood samples for analysis of blood gases and electrolytes. Animals were evaluated before induction to blood collection (T0), immediately after induction (Tind), immediately after blood collection (Tcol) and after volume replacement (Trep). Tha PAS, PAD and PAM obtained by oscillometric and Doppler methods were compared to invasive method in GCM when animals were awake (CONS), anesthetized (ANEST) and after collection of blood (HIPOV). All animals had PAS, PAD and PAM decreased at Tcol. There was no statistical difference between the groups in any variable evaluated. Both indirect methods of blodd pressure measurement underestimated the blood pressure at CONS e ANEST, although the Doppler method had better correlation with the direct method. We conclude that isoflurane and ketamine/midazolam anesthesia are safe and efficient for blood collection in cats. Between the two indirect methods of blood pressure evaluated, the Doppler method had the best accuracy for measurement of PAS during the blood collection process in cats. Knowing the underestimation of the blood pressure obtained, it is recommended to consider not just the values obtained, but also the clinical signs like pulse quality and membrane mucosa color, to detection of hypotension with indirect methods. / A disponibilidade de derivados sanguíneos em felinos é baixa, sendo um dos fatores determinantes a obrigatoriedade de sedação ou anestesia para a colheita de sangue. A aferição da pressão arterial é rotineira na clínica e na anestesiologia, podendo ser utilizados os métodos indiretos, de fácil execução e baixo risco para os animais, ou o método direto, mais fidedigno. Neste estudo foi avaliada a segurança de dois protocolos anestésicos e a acurácia de dois métodos indiretos de aferição da pressão arterial comparados ao método direto, para colheita de sangue em gatos. Foram utilizados cinco animais pesando 4,3±0,5 kg submetidos a dois protocolos anestésicos diferentes com intervalo de 30 dias. Para a cateterização da artéria femoral e da veia jugular, os animais foram anestesiados com isofluorano e ao final foi permitida a recuperação anestésica. Trinta minutos após o final da instrumentação, a anestesia foi induzida e mantida novamente com isofluorano (GI) ou com cetamina (10mg/kg) e midazolam (0,2mg/kg) via IM (GCM). Em seguida, realizou-se colheita de sangue total (53mL) e reposição volêmica com solução de Ringer com lactato (20 mL/kg), para então permitir a recuperação anestésica. Foram avaliadas as frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (f); as pressões arteriais sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) e média (PAM), pelos métodos invasivo e oscilométrico e a PAS pelo uso de Doppler vascular; a saturação periférica da oxihemoglobina (SpO2) e a pressão venosa central (PVC). Foram ainda colhidas amostras de sangue arterial para análise dos gases sanguíneos e dos eletrólitos. Os animais foram avaliados antes da indução para colheita (T0), imediatamente após a indução (Tind), imediatamente após a colheita (Tcol) e depois da reposição volêmica (Trep). A PAS, PAD e PAM obtidas pelo método oscilométrico e a PAS obtida pelo Doppler vascular foram comparadas às obtidas pelo método invasivo nos animais do GCM quando acordados (CONS), anestesiados (ANEST) e após a colheita do sangue (HIPOV). Todos os animais apresentaram diminuição da PAS, PAD e PAM em Tcol. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em nenhuma variável avaliada. Os dois métodos indiretos subestimaram a pressão arterial no momento CONS e ANEST, contudo o método Doppler Vascular apresentou melhor correlação com o método direto. Concluiu-se que a anestesia com isofluorano ou cetamina-midazolam é segura e eficiente para colheita de sangue em gatos. Dos métodos indiretos avaliados o Doppler foi mais acurado para aferição da PAS durante o processo de colheita de sangue em gatos. Tendo em vista a subestimação dos valores, deve-se por tanto considerar, além do valor obtido, as variáveis clinicas como qualidade de pulso e coloração das mucosas para detecção de hipotensão pelos métodos indiretos.

A coleta de sangue de cordão umbilical e placentário (SCUP) é uma atividade delegada ao enfermeiro, abrindo um novo campo de atuação para esse profissional que se configura em um novo processo de trabalho e na inserção de mais um procedimento no contexto da assistência obstétrica. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a vivência de enfermeiras no exercício da atividade de coleta de amostras de SCUP para armazenamento de células progenitoras hematopoiéticas. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem metodológica qualitativa. Os referenciais teórico e metodológico adotados neste estudo foram o Interacionismo Simbólico e a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Participaram do estudo nove enfermeiras que atuam na atividade de coleta de SCUP para bancos de sangue de privados e públicos. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas que foram gravadas e transcritas. A experiência da enfermeira que exerce a atividade de coleta de SCUP é compreendida pelas categorias: ACEITANDO A PROPOSTA DE TRABALHO, TENDO ATRIBUIÇÕES A CUMPRIR, PREPARANDO-SE PARA PROCEDER A COLETA DE SCUP, ENCONTRANDO CONDIÇÕES FAVORÁVEIS PARA REALIZAR A COLETA DE SCUP, UTILIZANDO ESTRATÉGIAS PARA GARANTIR A COLETA DE SCUP, ENCONTRANDO CONDIÇÕES DESFAVORÁVEIS PARA REALIZAR A COLETA DE SCUP, PROCEDENDO À COLETA DE SCUP, CONCLUINDO A COLETA DE SCUP e AVALIANDO O TRABALHO REALIZADO. Trabalhar como um profissional tendo de se inserir em um contexto desconhecido com profissionais que atuam em equipe nas diversas maternidades, coloca a enfermeira coletadora frente a situações que exigem rápida adaptação para que realize a coleta de SCUP, atendendo todas as recomendações exigidas para a coleta desse material. Um dos aspectos evidenciados e merecedor de destaque é o fato da enfermeira coletadora deparar-se com dificuldades referentes ao relacionamento com a equipe que presta assistência obstétrica; esta necessita compreender e incorporar em seu processo de trabalho no contexto da assistência ao parto que a enfermeira coletadora de SCUP presta serviço ao BSCUP público ou privado. Apesar das dificuldades relatadas pelas enfermeiras coletadoras no desenvolvimento de sua atividade, percebe-se que elas se encontram motivadas a continuar atuando nesse novo campo, seja pela remuneração, seja pela percepção de estar realizando uma atividade que beneficiará o tratamento de doenças. Vale ressaltar que este estudo poderá ajudar aos profissionais envolvidos no contexto do parto e nascimento a entenderem a atividade de coleta e a compreenderem que a equipe multiprofissional deve atuar em prol de um objetivo comum, além de serem informados a respeito do potencial que as células-tronco vêm mostrando no tratamento de doenças hematológicas / The umbilical cord blood (UCB) collection is an activity delegated to the nurse, opening a new field of action for this professional who is set on a new process of work and the insertion of a further procedure in the context of obstetrical care. The objective of this study was to understand the experience of nurses in the exercise of the activity of collecting samples of UCB for storage hematopoietic progenitor cells. This is a descriptive study with qualitative approach. The benchmarks theoretical and methodological used in this study were the Interacionism Symbolic and Grounded Theory. Were involved in the study nine nurses who serve in the activity of UCB collection for blood banks, on private and public institutions. The data were obtained through interviews that were recorded and transcribed. The experience of the nurse who carries out the activity of UCB collection is understood by the categories: ACCEPTING THE WORK PROPOSAL, HAVING TASKS TO DELIVER, PREPARING TO PROCEDER THE UCB COLLECTION, FACING FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS TO PROCEDURE THE UCB COLLECTION, USING STRATEGIES TO ASSURE THE UCB COLLECTION, FACING UNFAVOURABLE CONDITIONS TO PROCEDURE THE UCB COLLECTION, DOING THE UCB COLLECTION PROCEDURE, FINALIZING THE UCB COLLECTION PROCEDURE and UNALIZING THE WORK CARRIED. Working as a professional who needs to take part into an unknown context with other professionals who works together in various maternity, puts the nurse through situations that require quick adaptation to develop the UCB collection, attending all the recommendations required for the material collection. One of the aspects highlighted and worthy of note is the fact the nurse encounter themselves with difficulties relating to the relationship with the team that provides obstetrical care, which needs to understand and incorporate in the process of work in the context of assistance for delivery that the nurse provides service to coord bank. Despite the difficulties reported by nurses who develop this activity, is known that they are motivated to continue working in this new field, by the remuneration or by the perception of performing an activity that will benefit the treatment of diseases. This study may help the professionals involved in the obstetrical care to understand the activity of UCB collection and that the multiprofessional team should work towards a common goal, besides being informed about the potential that stem cells come showing in the treatment of hematological diseases

This thesis is about medical transfusion sphere, which has nowadays many deficits - as the other spheres in medical industry. Target of this thesis is a proposal of new equipment structure in transfusion service in the Czech Republic, which will be more effective then the existing one and which occurs a reduction of blood processing department. It includes not only calculation of basic expenses needed for installation new system and ensure operations for 5 years and comparison of both variants, but it includes also proposal of centralized managing and changes of staff secure of production process.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) is a useful tool for monitoring individuals who may be at risk of DNA damage and the ensuing process of carcinogenesis or other disease states. Leukocytes in blood samples provide a means of obtaining cells for use in the comet assay. However instances may arise when samples must be stored for later analysis. The present study investigated the effects of storage conditions on DNA damage in the form of strand breaks and oxidized bases in rat and human leukocytes using the comet assay. Whole blood and buffy coat samples were stored at room temperature or 4ºC for 1, 2, 24, and 48 hours or cryopreserved at -80ºC for 1 day and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. The results show that the time of storage is limited if the whole blood or buffy coat samples are stored at room temperature or 4ºC. However, if cryopreserved using glycerol or DMSO as the cryoprotectant, the samples may be stored for at least 4 weeks without DNA strand breaks or oxidative damage deviating significantly from the fresh samples.

Introduction: Les dispositifs d'auto-prélèvement sanguin permettent des échantillonnages à distance. L'étude explore (i) l'influence des sites de prélèvement et de l'analgésie topique sur le volume sanguin capillaire et la douleur, et (ii) la faisabilité, la sécurité et l'acceptabilité de l'autoprélèvement capillaire avec le dispositif Tasso-SST chez les adultes et les enfants. Méthodes: L'étude comportait deux phases avec la phase expérimentale comprenant deux études transversales conduit sur place, chez des adultes en santé (> 12 ans) et enfants (< 18 ans) en dyades enfant-parent. Les issues principales étaient: le volume capillaire sanguin et la perception de la douleur. La phase de mise en oeuvre portait sur deux essais multicentriques et ciblait les participants ayant opté pour des visites à distance. L’issu principal était le volume capillaire sanguin. Les issues secondaires des études incluaient l’échec du dispositif, les événements indésirables, la satisfaction et la volonté de réutiliser le dispositif. Résultats: L'étude a recruté 90 adultes et 9 enfants avec 7 parents (dyades) dans la phase expérimentale et 15 adultes et 2 enfants en phase de mise en oeuvre. Durant la phase expérimentale chez l'adulte, le dispositif a collecté une médiane (25%, 75%) de 450 (250, 550) μl de sang, sans différence significative entre les sites de ponction et l'usage ou non d’analgésie topique. L'analgésie topique a réduit la perception de la douleur de 0,61 (IC à 95 %: 0,97, 0,24 ; P <0,01) points sur l'échelle de 11 points, avec une réduction plus importante au bas du dos. Le volume médian collecté chez les enfants était de 450 μl avec un score médian de douleur de 0,5. En combinant toutes les études et phases, le volume médian collecté était de 425 (250, 500) μl, avec un taux d’échec de 4,4 % et des effets indésirables mineurs signalés chez 8,9 % des participants. Tous étaient prêts à réutiliser l'appareil. Conclusion: L'auto-prélèvement capillaire, avec un rendement d’un peu moins de 500 μl, est peu douloureux avec un bon profil d’innocuité, un haut degré de satisfaction et peu d'échec chez les adultes et les enfants. Le site de ponction et l'analgésie topique n'influent pas significativement sur le volume sanguin. L'utilisation d'une analgésie topique au bas du dos réduit légèrement la douleur, mais l’importance clinique de la réduction reste incertaine. / Introduction: Blood self-collection devices offer an opportunity to provide remote sampling. The study aimed to explore (i) the impact of puncture sites and topical analgesia on capillary blood volume and pain perception and (ii) the feasibility (volume, failure rate), safety, and acceptability of capillary self-collection using the Tasso-SST blood collection device among adults and children. Methods: The study consisted of two phases, with the investigational phase involving on-site cross-sectional studies in healthy adults (>12 years) and children (<18 years) as child-parent dyads. The primary outcomes were capillary blood volume and pain perception. The implementation phase involved two multicentre trials in participants opting for remote visits. Where the primary outcome was blood volume. Secondary outcomes of the study included device failure, adverse events, satisfaction, and willingness to re-use the device. Results: The study enrolled: 90 adults and 9 children with 7 parents (dyads) in the investigational phase and 15 adults and 2 children in the implementation phase. During the adult investigational phase, the device collected a median of 450 (interquartile range: 250, 550) μl of blood with no significant difference between puncture sites and topical analgesia. Topical analgesia reduced pain perception by 0.61 (95% CI: 0.97, 0.24; P <0.01) points on the 11-point scale, with a magnitude of reduction varying by puncture site, with the lower back showing the most decrease. The median volume collected among children in the dyads was 450 (400, 475) μl with a median pain score of 0.5. During the implementation phase, both participants and research staff expressed willingness to use the device again. Overall, combining all studies and phases, the median volume collected was 425 (250, 500) μl, and the device failure rate was 4.4%; minor adverse effects were reported in 8.9% of the participants, all were willing to use the device again. Conclusion: Capillary blood self-collection, yielding slightly less than 500 μl, proves to be minimally painful with a good safety profile, high satisfaction, and low failure rates for both adults and children. The puncture site and topical analgesia don't significantly affect blood volume, but using topical analgesia on the lower back slightly reduces pain, with unclear clinical importance.

The research attempts to evaluate the maintaining of the chain of evidence as a process of effective collection, handling and preservation of evidence. The concept "chain of evidence" refers to the process of collecting, handling and preservation of evidence until its presentation in court, as part of the investigation process. Evidence is anything that tends logically to prove or disprove a fact at issue in a judicial case. Evidence essentially consists of oral evidence, documentary evidence and real evidence. The value of evidence cannot be underestimated as evidence can make or break a case. It is therefore important that evidence is correctly and properly collected, handled and preserved to establish a strong link between an individual and a specific act. / Police Practice / Thesis ((M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation) Police Practice))

The research attempts to evaluate the maintaining of the chain of evidence as a process of effective collection, handling and preservation of evidence. The concept "chain of evidence" refers to the process of collecting, handling and preservation of evidence until its presentation in court, as part of the investigation process. Evidence is anything that tends logically to prove or disprove a fact at issue in a judicial case. Evidence essentially consists of oral evidence, documentary evidence and real evidence. The value of evidence cannot be underestimated as evidence can make or break a case. It is therefore important that evidence is correctly and properly collected, handled and preserved to establish a strong link between an individual and a specific act. / Police Practice / Thesis ((M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation) Police Practice))