What should be done with the first drop of blood when performing a finger puncture?

When performing a finger puncture, the first drop of blood should be wiped away. This is important because the first few drops of blood can be contaminated with interstitial fluid, tissue fluid, or debris from the puncture site, which may skew test results. By discarding the first drop, the healthcare provider ensures that the sample collected for testing reflects the true composition of the patient's blood, thereby increasing the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.

Collecting the first drop of blood could lead to misleading results due to contamination. Using it for quality control or saving it for later analysis would not address the potential contamination issue and could compromise the integrity of any tests performed. The practice of wiping away the first drop is a standard procedure in blood sample collection, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing in clinical settings.