In capillary specimens, potassium, calcium, and total protein are ___________ compared to venous blood, where glucose is typically _______________.

In capillary specimens, potassium, calcium, and total protein levels are generally higher compared to venous blood. This is due to the fact that capillary blood is a mixture of arterial and venous blood, and there can be greater concentrations of these solutes in the interstitial fluid that makes up a part of capillary blood.

On the other hand, glucose levels in capillary blood are usually lower than in venous blood. This discrepancy can be attributed to the faster utilization of glucose by tissues and cells in the peripheral circulation, leading to a lower concentration in capillary samples.

This understanding of how capillary sample concentrations can differ from venous samples is crucial for interpreting laboratory results accurately, particularly in clinical situations where rapid assessments are necessary.