Final answer:
The correct answers are both b and d. For blood culture collection, the antiseptic(s) of choice are 70% isopropyl alcohol and 1-2% iodine or 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, used for their effectiveness in microbial control and persistent antimicrobial activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The antiseptic(s) of choice for blood culture collection are both 70% isopropyl alcohol and 1-2% iodine or 4% chlorhexidine gluconate. These substances are used because of their effectiveness in microbial control to prevent infection during invasive procedures. 70% isopropyl alcohol is an effective antiseptic that works better in aqueous solutions rather than in full concentration as it denatures proteins and disrupts membranes leading to cell lysis.
Iodophors, like povidone-iodine (Betadine), act by oxidizing cellular components and are commonly used as a topical antiseptic for skin disinfection before surgery. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a bisbiguanide with broad-spectrum activity against various bacteria and some viruses and offers long-lasting antimicrobial activity, making it suitable for surgeries and injections. Correctly applying these antiseptics ensures the reliability of the culture results and minimizes the risk of introducing infections.