The nurse is collecting a capillary blood specimen. Which statement demonstrates proper technique for this procedure?
1. Clean the site with alcohol, and puncture the finger quickly, then collect the first drop of blood.
2. If the puncture site is not bleeding, squeeze the finger as firmly as possible without causing pain.
3. Clean the site with alcohol, puncture the finger, wipe the first drop of blood with gauze, and then collect the specimen.
4. Puncture the finger in the center of the pad, which is more vascular.
Correct Answer: 3
The site should be cleaned with an antimicrobial or soap and water, then dried or allowed to dry before puncturing the site. The side of the finger should be punctured, because it is less innervated, and so causes less pain. The first drop of blood should not be used, due to the risk of epithelial contamination. After the first drop is wiped away, the specimen can be collected. To encourage bleeding, the finger can be milked but should not be squeezed, because that would cause hemolysis.
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