Clinical ProceduresQuestion 51 of 100

During a capillary puncture for a glucose test, which step improves specimen quality?

a.Squeezing the finger hard and repeatedly to speed up flow
b.Wiping away the first drop of blood and using the next free-flowing drop
c.Puncturing the very tip center of the finger pad over the bone
d.Using the same lancet again if the first stick yields too little blood

Explanation

The first drop is wiped away because it contains tissue fluid and alcohol residue that dilute the sample, so the second free-flowing drop is used. Vigorous squeezing forces in tissue fluid and can hemolyze the sample. Puncturing the central tip over the bone risks injury, and lancets are single-use safety devices that are never reused.

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