Final answer:
The most important step in performing a capillary finger stick on a one-year-old is the aseptic technique, which includes cleaning the puncture site, using sterile instruments, and correct labeling of the specimen to prevent contamination and ensure accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a capillary finger stick on a one-year-old patient, the most important step to follow is to ensure that the procedure is carried out using aseptic techniques to minimize the risk of infection. This involves multiple measures such as cleaning the puncture site with alcohol, allowing the site to dry, puncturing the skin with a sterile lancet, and then collecting the required amount of blood. It is also crucial to maintain sterility of instruments and environment to prevent contamination. Moreover, being at the level of the child during the procedure will ensure that the capillary blood sample is collected correctly, following the same precision required when reading instruments like pipettes and measuring cylinders.
Ensuring the correct labeling of the specimen is also a critical step. This includes recording the patient's name and other pertinent information to prevent mix-ups and ensure accurate results. When handling any equipment or specimens, it is important to minimize the exposure to airborne contaminants, for instance, by holding tubes or bottles at an angle during transfer and briefly passing them through a flame before and after the process.