Collecting Blood: Blood Cultures

Site preparation continued

  • Finally, prep the site with an iodine swab.
  • Start at the center of the site, and move outward in enlarging concentric circles. Do not go over the same area twice.
  • Stop when you have covered an area about 4 inches in diameter. Allow this area to dry for at least one minute so that the iodine has time to kill the skin bacteria.

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