What is the correct procedure for a skin puncture collection?

The correct procedure for a skin puncture collection starts with cleaning the site to reduce the risk of contamination and infection. After the area is properly cleansed, a lancet is used to create a small puncture in the skin. It is essential to wipe away the first drop of blood, as this may contain interstitial fluid and lead to inaccurate results. Once this initial drop is discarded, subsequent drops of blood can be collected for testing.

This method ensures the integrity of the sample, minimizing the chances of contaminants that could skew test results. Properly following this process not only adheres to health and safety standards but also ensures accurate diagnostic outcomes for the patient.

In contrast, other options do not follow the proper protocol. For example, swabbing the site with alcohol and using a needle to draw blood disrupts the typical practice for skin punctures, which is intended for capillary blood draws. Not cleaning the skin or squeezing the site can introduce contaminants and lead to unreliable results. Collecting all drops without wiping away the first could compromise the quality of the specimen, making the correct approach crucial for effective specimen collection.