Which of the following areas should a phlebotomist use for a capillary collection from a 2-month-old infant?

Choice A Reason:

Wiping the site with clean gauze after applying antiseptic is not recommended. This action can remove the antiseptic before it has had sufficient time to disinfect the area, potentially reintroducing bacteria to the site and increasing the risk of contamination.

Choice B Reason:

Allowing the site to air dry after applying antiseptic is the appropriate technique. This ensures that the antiseptic has enough contact time to effectively reduce microbial flora on the skin. Air drying also prevents any potential irritation that might be caused by wiping or touching the site before the venipuncture.

Choice C Reason:

Blowing on the site to speed up drying is not an appropriate technique. This can introduce bacteria from the breath to the clean site, which could lead to contamination and increase the risk of infection.

Choice D Reason:

Waving hands over the site is not an appropriate technique either. This action could potentially contaminate the site with bacteria or particles from the skin or the environment. It is also less effective in ensuring that the antiseptic has dried completely.

Choice A reason:
When performing a capillary blood collection, such as a fingerstick, the lancet should be positioned perpendicular to the fingerprint grooves. This orientation helps to ensure that the incision is made across the ridges of the fingerprint, which can facilitate a better blood flow and make it easier to collect an adequate sample without needing to squeeze the finger excessively, which could hemolyze the sample.

Choice B reason:
Positioning the lancet parallel to the nail bed is not recommended because it can result in a cut that runs along the length of the fingerprint grooves, which may not bleed as freely and could also be more painful for the patient.

Choice C reason:
Using the lancet along the lateral portion of the first digit is not part of the standard aseptic technique protocol for capillary blood collection. The first digit, or thumb, has a pulse and should generally be avoided because it can be more sensitive and is more prone to bruising.

Choice D reason:
The medial portion of the fifth digit, or the little finger, is also not a recommended site for capillary blood collection with a lancet. The little finger is typically smaller and may not provide an adequate site for blood collection, and similar to the thumb, it can be more sensitive and prone to injury.