Why is it important to let alcohol dry before performing a venipuncture?

Allowing alcohol to dry completely before performing a venipuncture is essential to avoid hemolysis and prevent contamination. When alcohol is applied to the skin as a disinfectant, it serves to eliminate bacteria and reduce the risk of infection at the puncture site. However, if the alcohol has not fully evaporated, it can interfere with the blood sample. Specifically, residual alcohol can cause hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells, potentially leading to inaccurate test results. In addition, any remaining alcohol may also introduce contaminants into the sample, compromising the reliability of the analysis.

Proper drying ensures that the antiseptic action has occurred and that the venipuncture can be performed optimally, preserving the integrity of the blood sample for accurate diagnostic purposes.