ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Success!

Question: 1 / 400

What should a phlebotomist do with the first drop of blood after performing a fingerstick?

Allow it to dry on the skin

Wipe it off with gauze

Wiping off the first drop of blood after performing a fingerstick is important because this initial drop may be contaminated with tissue fluid or interstitial fluid, which can affect the accuracy of the test results. The first drop does not represent pure blood and may dilute or alter the composition of the sample, leading to misleading laboratory results. By wiping it away with gauze or another clean material, the phlebotomist ensures that the subsequent drops collected are more representative of the actual blood being tested.

Choosing this option reflects an understanding of proper specimen collection techniques and quality control in phlebotomy practices, which are crucial for ensuring accurate diagnostic results. Those who may believe other choices are suitable may not recognize the impact that the first drop can have on the integrity of the sample being collected.

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Collect it for testing

Rub it with a tissue

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