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?

Choice A reason:
A 23-gauge needle is commonly used for venipuncture with a winged infusion set and a small volume syringe like a 5 mL syringe. This size provides a balance between patient comfort and the ease of drawing blood without causing hemolysis or excessive damage to blood cells. It is large enough to allow blood to flow easily into the syringe but small enough to minimize discomfort and the risk of bruising.

Choice B reason:
An 18-gauge needle is quite large and is typically used for situations requiring rapid administration of fluids or for blood donation where larger volumes are collected quickly. It is not ideal for a standard venipuncture, especially with a small syringe, as it can cause more pain and increase the risk of bruising.

Choice C reason:
A 25-gauge needle is on the smaller side and may be used for patients with very fragile veins or for pediatric patients. However, it may not be the best choice for a 5 mL syringe as it could make the blood draw process slower and more difficult, potentially leading to clotting in the needle or syringe.

Choice D reason:
A 27-gauge needle is very small and is typically used for subcutaneous injections, such as insulin injections, rather than for venipuncture. It would be too small for an efficient blood draw with a 5 mL syringe, as it would likely cause the blood to hemolyze or clot before the draw is completed.

Choice A Reason:
A multipart requisition involves multiple copies of a paper form, which can be prone to errors due to manual entry, misplacement, or illegible handwriting. While it provides physical copies for various departments, it is not the most accurate method compared to digital solutions.

Choice B Reason:
A manual requisition is similar to a multipart requisition but typically consists of a single form. It carries the same risks of human error and does not offer the benefits of automated tracking and data entry that come with electronic systems.

Choice C Reason:
An automated requisition is considered the most accurate method for receiving orders for specimen collection. It reduces the risk of human error associated with manual data entry and allows for better tracking and integration with laboratory information systems. Automated systems can also provide immediate feedback if there is an issue with the order, such as a missing patient identifier or a test code.

Choice D Reason:
A verbal requisition is the least reliable method as it depends on the memory and communication skills of the individuals involved. It lacks the documentation and verification steps present in written or automated methods, making it susceptible to misunderstandings and errors.