American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

When collecting a blood specimen from a patient suspected of being septic, which cleaning agent should be used for the venipuncture site?

1. Only alcohol

2. Only iodine

3. Alcohol and Iodine

4. Soap and water

The correct answer is: Alcohol and Iodine

The most appropriate cleaning agent for a venipuncture site in a patient suspected of sepsis is a combination of alcohol and iodine. This combination is effective because it provides both rapid antiseptic action and broader antimicrobial coverage. Alcohol serves to degrease the skin and removes surface contaminants, while iodine (or an iodophor such as povidone-iodine) enhances the antimicrobial properties, providing a deeper cleansing action that is especially important in septic cases where there is a higher risk of pathogens entering the bloodstream. Using both agents improves skin disinfection compared to either agent alone, reducing the likelihood of introducing an infection during the blood collection. The rationale is grounded in the need for rigorous aseptic techniques in cases of potential sepsis, where the patient’s immune system is likely compromised, and pathogenic organisms can have serious consequences. While using only alcohol could reduce bacteria on the surface, it may not be sufficient against certain pathogens. Similarly, using only iodine does not provide the same level of initial cleansing that alcohol offers. Soap and water, while effective in some contexts, do not have the residual antimicrobial properties that are crucial in preventing infection during venipuncture, especially in patients at risk for serious conditions like sepsis. Thus, the combination