What should you do with the first drop of blood in a capillary blood sample?

When collecting a capillary blood sample, the first drop of blood is generally not used for testing purposes. Instead, it should be wiped away. This is primarily due to the possibility of contamination from tissue fluids, which can affect the accuracy of the test results. By wiping away the first drop, healthcare professionals ensure that the sample collected for analysis is more representative of the blood itself, free from any potential contaminants that may be present from the initial puncture.

The next drops of blood, following the first, are usually more suitable for testing, as they are less likely to be mixed with these unwanted substances. This practice is important for maintaining the integrity and reliability of laboratory results, which are critical for patient diagnosis and treatment.