NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Specimen HandlingHard
A phlebotomy technician is reviewing a requisition for a blood alcohol level (BAL) test. Which of the following antiseptics is contraindicated for skin preparation before this collection?
- AChlorhexidine gluconate
- BIsopropyl alcohol
- CPovidone-iodine
- DBenzalkonium chloride
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is contraindicated for blood alcohol level (BAL) tests because it can falsely elevate the patient's blood alcohol results by contaminating the specimen. Non-alcohol-based antiseptics like povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine gluconate should be used.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Chlorhexidine gluconate is an acceptable non-alcohol antiseptic for BAL collection.
- C. Povidone-iodine is an acceptable non-alcohol antiseptic for BAL collection.
- D. Benzalkonium chloride is an acceptable non-alcohol antiseptic for BAL collection.
Antiseptic for BAL
When collecting a blood alcohol level (BAL) specimen, it is critical to use a non-alcohol-based antiseptic for skin preparation to prevent contamination of the sample, which could lead to inaccurate, falsely elevated results.
- Isopropyl alcohol is strictly contraindicated.
- Use povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, or benzalkonium chloride.
- Contamination can lead to legal implications.
- Ensure site is completely dry before venipuncture.
Memory trick: No alcohol prep for blood alcohol test, or the results will be a mess.