(4)
Isopropyl alcohol, 70 percent, prep pads.
c. Procedure.
(1) The puncture site should be warm to assure good circulation of blood. If
it is cold, apply warm water (38o-40oC) for a few minutes. If blood is to be drawn from
the ear, the edge of the lobe, not the flat side, should be punctured.
(2) The site to be punctured is first rubbed with alcohol prep pads to remove
dirt and epithelial debris, increase circulation, and render the area reasonably
disinfected (see figure 3-4 capillary puncture procedure, a through d).
Figure 3-4a. Capillary puncture procedure: Clean the puncture site.
(3)
Allow sufficient time for the circulation to equalize.
(4) While making a finger puncture, apply gentle pressure to the finger to
hold the skin taut. Hold the finger in one hand and the lancet in the other. The puncture
is made perpendicular to the lines of the fingerprints, which results in a more free-
flowing wound (see figure 3-4b).
Figure 3-4b. Capillary puncture procedure: Puncture the finger.
MD0853
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