Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 60%

When collecting a capillary blood specimen, the purpose of drying the site after cleaning with alcohol is to do which of the following?

Rationale

Avoid hemolysis of the specimen.

Drying the site after cleaning with alcohol is essential to prevent hemolysis, which can occur if alcohol remains on the skin during puncture. Residual alcohol can interfere with the blood sample, causing red blood cells to break down and compromise the integrity of the specimen.

A (Avoid clotting of the specimen) YOUR ANSWER

Clotting is primarily influenced by the presence of anticoagulants in the collection tube or the method of blood collection rather than the drying of the puncture site. While proper technique is important to minimize clot formation, drying the site does not directly prevent clotting.

B (Avoid hemolysis of the specimen) CORRECT

Residual alcohol on the skin can lead to hemolysis when the skin is punctured. Alcohol can cause the red blood cells to rupture, releasing hemoglobin into the serum and causing alterations in test results. Therefore, ensuring the site is dry before collection is crucial for obtaining a valid specimen.

C (Decrease bleeding at the puncture site) YOUR ANSWER

Bleeding at the puncture site is typically controlled by proper technique and pressure applied after puncturing. Drying the site does not have a direct impact on bleeding; instead, it focuses on ensuring a clean specimen free from contaminants.

D (Promote circulation at the puncture site) YOUR ANSWER

Drying the site does not promote circulation; in fact, it is a preparatory step to ensure that the skin is clean and free from any substances that could interfere with the sample. Circulation is influenced more by the physical condition and positioning of the patient rather than the drying process.

Conclusion

The primary purpose of drying the site after cleaning with alcohol is to prevent hemolysis of the blood specimen. This step ensures that residual alcohol does not compromise the quality of the blood sample by causing red blood cells to lyse, thereby maintaining the accuracy of laboratory tests. Proper preparation and technique are essential for obtaining a reliable capillary blood specimen, making this step crucial in clinical practice.

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