Question

CLSI/NCCLS recommends that the IV bleeding time incision on an adult be made _____?

1) longitudinally along the volar surface of the forearm in progressively deeper layers
2) transversely through the skin allowing direct visualization of the dermis
3) very superficially along the forearm without any attempt to penetrate deeper layers
4) in a radial pattern without any restrictions

Answer 1

The IV bleeding time incision recommended by CLSI/NCCLS should be made transversely through the skin to visualize the dermis directly. To bleed from a cut, the papillary dermis must be penetrated, as it contains the blood vessels. Superficial veins in the arm are often accessed for venous blood drawing.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The CLSI/NCCLS recommends that the IV bleeding time incision on an adult be made transversely through the skin allowing direct visualization of the dermis. This is specified to ensure that a standard depth and length of the incision are made, which is essential for consistent results in the bleeding time test.

When an individual using a sharp knife notices a small amount of blood where they just cut themselves, they have to have cut into the papillary dermis, as the upper layers of skin such as the stratum corneum, stratum basale, and stratum granulosum do not contain blood vessels that can bleed.

The superficial veins of the upper limb, like the median antebrachial vein, the cephalic vein, and the basilic vein, are key for venous blood drawing and are usually not positioned deep beneath the skin surface, making them accessible for procedures such as IV insertions and blood tests.