NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to clean a venipuncture site. Which of the following antiseptics is generally NOT recommended for routine skin preparation due to its potential to interfere with certain lab tests or cause patient reactions?
- AChlorhexidine gluconate
- BHydrogen peroxide
- CPovidone-iodine (Betadine)
- D70% Isopropyl alcohol
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is not a standard antiseptic for routine venipuncture skin preparation. It is primarily used for wound cleaning and can be irritating to skin. The other options are commonly used and recommended antiseptics, each with specific applications.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Often used for blood cultures and patients with alcohol allergies, effective and widely accepted.
- C. Used for blood cultures and patients allergic to alcohol, but can affect some tests (e.g., potassium).
- D. This is the most common and recommended antiseptic for routine venipuncture.
Venipuncture Antiseptics
Chemical agents used to cleanse the skin prior to venipuncture to prevent bacterial contamination of the blood specimen and infection at the puncture site.
- 70% Isopropyl alcohol is standard for routine draws.
- Povidone-iodine or Chlorhexidine are used for blood cultures.
- Allow antiseptics to air dry completely.
- Avoid hydrogen peroxide for venipuncture.
Memory trick: Antiseptics: Clean, Clear, and Careful Choices.