Table 2.

Sample volumes and collection techniques for primary sample collection by age group

Age group	Method of blood collection	Equipment	Collection container	Target sample volume (mL)
1–5 years	Venepuncture* Finger prick*	23G butterfly needle, venous blood aspirated into 5 mL syringe Lancet, capillary blood drops transferred directly into collection tube	5 mL SST tube 2 mL paediatric SST tube	5 2
6–15 years	Venepuncture	21–23G needle or 23G butterfly needle, venous blood aspirated into 5 mL syringe	5 mL SST tube	5
Adults	Venepuncture	21–23G needle, venous blood aspirated into 10 mL syringe	2×5 mL SST tube	10

*Determined in field by phlebotomist on case-by-case basis.

SST, serum separator tube.