Chapter 6: Sample processing 59
Before you begin • Open the alcohol pad package.
• Remove the cover on the lancet.
• Open the bandage package.
• Open the cartridge package. Write the patient ID on the
cartridge. Face the inlet port up. You must use the cartridge
within 30 minutes of opening the package.
Procedure To prepare a capillary blood sample:
1. Prepare for puncture by increasing blood flow to the fingers.
Ask the patient to extend his or her arm towards the floor and
shake and squeeze his or her hand. If the patient’s hand is cold,
use a warming device or run the hand under warm water.
2. Firmly squeeze the base of the patient’s fingers.
3. Select either the middle or ring finger, and clean the fingertip
with an alcohol pad. Let the alcohol dry.
4. Place the tip of the lancet on the circled area of the finger, as
shown in the following figure. Push the lancet to puncture the
finger.
5. Discard the lancet into a biohazardous sharps waste container.
6. Wipe away the first drop of blood with the sponge.
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