The advantages of DBS compared to conventional blood analysis techniques are numerous (summarized in Table 1). The DBS technique requires much less biological material for the analysis, which is connected to less invasive sampling and hence more comfort for the patients. Additionally, the storage, shipping, and handling costs are lower.
Also, the working risks for technicians are significantly reduced by the use of DBS. DBS appears to be a powerful alternative to conventional blood sampling as trends in the biomedical analysis move towards reduction of biological material, time and analysis costs.
Table 1, Advantages of DBS to conventional blood analysis techniques
| Parameter | Conventional Analysis | DBS Analysis | Advantage of DBS |
| Blood volume | > 500 µL | 10 -30 µL | – Less biological material needed – Suitable for newborn and elderly people – Ethical reasons |
| Blood collection technique | Venipuncture with a sample and stabilization system | Finger or heel pricks using a capillary | – Less invasive sampling – No trained personal needed – Less patient discomfort |
| Sample processing | Precipitation, centrifugation and further preparation steps depending on the assay | Blood spotting and drying (2 h). The extraction is either performed manually or automated. | – Lower biohazard risk compared to handling liquid samples – Large sample batches can be processed fully automated |
| Storage and transport | Plasma and serum must be stored and shipped under frozen conditions | Stable after drying at room temperature. Can be shipped without any biohazard labeling. | – Cards require less space to store or to ship – No need for dry ice – Patient can prepare the card at home and send it via post mail |
| Cost | Samples must be frozen and treated as hazard bio fluids | Reduced storage, shipping and labour costs | Overall sample collection and transportation can be reduced |