Final answer:
To prevent contamination and sepsis, the area where a forensic venipuncture is performed must be thoroughly cleaned and maintained following aseptic technique. All items must be accounted for and labeled correctly, and sterility must be ensured during handling of materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a forensic venipuncture, it is crucial to maintain aseptic technique to prevent contamination and sepsis. This involves cleaning the blood draw area, which includes the chair, supporting table, and any other surfaces that may come into contact with the equipment or the specimen. Before the venipuncture procedure, the nurse should review aloud with the team that all necessary items, such as the needle and sponges, are accounted for and that any specimens collected are correctly labeled with the patient's name. Furthermore, equipment should be checked for any issues. Sterility is key during the handling of all materials, including pipettes and media during lab work. After collection, the blood may be used for various medical analyses, including blood gases when drawn from an artery or for other tests when drawn from a vein and collected into specialized tubes like those containing K2EDTA or lithium heparin.