NOTE:
Check with donor to determine if he/she is allergic to iodine. If the answer is
"yes," use method 2.
Method 1
STEP 1: Scrub vigorously with 15 percent aqueous (not alcoholic) soap or detergent
solution for at least 30 seconds to clean away fat, oils, dirt, and so forth.
STEP 2: Remove soap, and so forth, with 10 percent acetone in 70 percent ethkyl
alcohol and allow to dry.
STEP 3: Apply tincture of iodine (3 percent to 3 percent in 70 percent ethyl alcohol)
and allow to dry.
STEP 4: Remove the iodine with 10 percent acetone in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.
(The iodine has served its purpose and will rarely cause any skin reactions if properly
removed.) Allow the solution to dry.
STEP 5: Cover the site with a sterile gauze if venipuncture is not done immediately.
NOTE: Keep the tincture of iodine bottle tightly capped to prevent evaporation of
alcohol. Higher concentrations of iodine may cause skin reactions. In situations
in which iodine is not feasible (such as collection of blood for chemical control
use), 1 of the organic mercurials may be used as an antiseptic (FDA).
Method 2
STEP 1: Scrub area for 30 seconds with 0.75 percent aqueous scrub solution of
iodophor compound (for example, PVP-iodine or poloxameriodine complex). Excess
foam must be removed but the arm need not be dry before proceeding to the next step.
STEP 2: Apply iodophor complex solution (that is, 10 precent PVP-iodine and let stand
for 30 seconds. This solution contains 1 percent free iodine and need not be removed
before completing venipuncture. It has the advantages of less odor and stain than
tincture of iodine and seldom causes skin reactions even in iodine-sensitive individuals.
Iodophor complexes may be substituted for tincture of iodine in Method one, step three
STEP 3: Cover the areas with sterile gauze if venipuncture in not done immediately.
After the skin has been prepared, it must not be touched again. Do not repalpate vein.
NOTE: For donors sensitive to iodine (tincture or PVP), another method, such as green
soap scrub followed by acetone-alcohol, should be designated by the blood
bank physician.
MD0845
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