Phil the New Phlebotomy Tech is prepping a patient for a blood culture. He has examined and chosen a puncture site. After washing his hands and gloving, Phil remembers to ask the patient about iodine allergies. He then prepares the puncture site by first cleansing the site with alcohol pads (changing them frequently) for sixty seconds. Next, he applies 2% Tincture of Iodine in a circular pattern, working from the center of the puncture site outward. Phil then paints the culture container stopper with iodine. He allows the iodine time to dry completely. He carefully applies the tourniquet and collects the blood sample. What (if anything) did Phil do wrong?
Explanation
Answer: C - Phil used aseptic technique to prepare the puncture site, preventing a false positive blood culture result. Improper technique may contaminate the sample with organisms that are normally found on the skin, resulting in a false positive result. It is critical for the phlebotomy tech to use aseptic technique when preparing the puncture site, and while performing the venipuncture. An alcohol pad removes oils and dirt from the skin, but doesn’t provide an aseptic environment. Using a circular pattern starting from the outside, working to the center may leave skin organisms at the center of the puncture site.
