Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam Practice Question
When collecting a capillary blood specimen, the purpose of drying the site after cleaning with alcohol is to do which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Drying the site after cleaning with alcohol is essential to prevent hemolysis of the specimen. Alcohol can cause red blood cells to rupture if not allowed to evaporate completely, leading to inaccurate test results.
Option A, avoiding clotting, is incorrect because clotting is not influenced by the presence of alcohol on the skin. Option C, decreasing bleeding, is not relevant since drying does not affect bleeding; proper technique during the puncture is more significant. Option D, promoting circulation, is also incorrect as drying the site does not enhance blood flow; rather, it prepares the skin for a clean puncture.
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