Case Studies: Case Study 11

Discussion

  • During a finger stick procedure it is important that the lancet be positioned on the finger so that the incision is perpendicular to the fingerprint. This allows a larger amount of blood to flow. It is also important to wipe away the first drop of blood that emerges form the incision with clean gauze, since it may contain tissue fluids that can cause incorrect test results. The first drop of blood may also contain traces of alcohol remaining from the cleaning step. Alcohol may break up or hemolyze blood cells, causing incorrect results.
  • Relevant topics:
  • Finger-stick collections, Finger-stick: site preparation, Finger-stick: puncture, Wipe away the first drop, Finger-stick specimen collection

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