Self-sampling and quantitative analysis of DBS: can it shift the balance in over-burdened healthcare systems?

“...the self sampling DBS approach may provide healthcare systems an innovative way of providing evidence-based treatment thereby shifting the balance of healthcare provision from hospitals to the community.” Much is made of the ease of use of DBS in terms of general sample collection and the more widespread utility of the bioanalytical assay resulting from simpler transport requirements. In principal a sample can be collected in locations as diverse as a patient's home or a clinic in sub-Saharan Africa and then sent by post to the laboratory for analysis. The DBS sample can be transported without refrigerants and relatively inexpensively...