The invention sets forth a method for reducing coagulation in a blood sample collected most conveniently from an acral body site such as the fingertip or heel, commonly referred to as capillary blood collection. The method includes the steps of applying an anticoagulant composition to the acral site, lancing the skin in contact with the anticoagulant composition and allowing blood and anticoagulant to mix on the skin at the site prior to collecting the blood for analysis.