Final answer:
Alcohol that has not fully dried on the venipuncture site can lead to infections and injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcohol that has not fully dried on the venipuncture site can lead to infections, especially for individuals with a higher risk of needle sticks such as phlebotomists. This is because alcohol serves as an antiseptic to kill off bacteria on the skin before the procedure. If the alcohol has not fully dried, it may not effectively eliminate all bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
In addition to infections, alcohol that has not dried properly can also result in injury. When a blood vessel is severed during venipuncture, blood and its components can leak out of the breaks. If alcohol is present, it can interfere with the clotting process and delay the healing of the injury.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the alcohol has fully dried on the venipuncture site before proceeding with the procedure to reduce the risk of infection and injury.