A phlebotomist is preparing to collect a capillary blood specimen from a patient using the aseptic technique. Which of the following cleansing agents should the phlebotomist use?

Rationale

70% isopropyl alcohol is the appropriate cleansing agent for capillary blood specimen collection using aseptic technique.

70% isopropyl alcohol is effective for skin disinfection as it has the right concentration to denature proteins and kill bacteria, ensuring a clean site for blood collection. This concentration also allows for optimal contact time, which is crucial for effective antiseptic action.

A (Povidone-iodine) YOUR ANSWER

Povidone-iodine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic often used in surgical settings, but it is typically not recommended for capillary blood specimen collection due to its potential to interfere with certain laboratory tests and its staining properties. While effective, it is not the first choice in this context.

B (Hand sanitizer) YOUR ANSWER

Hand sanitizer is designed for hand hygiene rather than skin preparation for invasive procedures. Although it can reduce microbial load on hands, it does not provide the same level of effectiveness on the skin as 70% isopropyl alcohol and is not suitable for preparing the site for blood collection.

C (70% isopropyl alcohol) CORRECT

This is the ideal choice for cleansing the skin prior to capillary blood collection, as it effectively reduces skin flora and minimizes the risk of contamination. The 70% concentration ensures the right balance for penetration and effectiveness against pathogens.

D (10% chlorine bleach solution) YOUR ANSWER

Chlorine bleach is a strong disinfectant but is not suitable for skin application due to its caustic properties, which can cause irritation or chemical burns. It is primarily used for environmental disinfection rather than for cleansing skin before procedures.

Conclusion

In the context of capillary blood specimen collection, 70% isopropyl alcohol stands out as the most effective and appropriate cleansing agent. It provides superior antiseptic properties necessary for minimizing infection risk while being safe for skin application. Other options either lack effectiveness, could interfere with test results, or are unsuitable for skin use.

A phlebotomist is preparing to collect a capillary blood specimen from a patient using the aseptic technique. Which of the following cleansing agents should the phlebotomist use?

70% isopropyl alcohol is the appropriate cleansing agent for capillary blood specimen collection using aseptic technique.

Related Questions

Related Quizzes

How familiar were you with this question?

Report an Issue

Rate this Practice Test