Final answer:
In preparation for a capillary puncture, the appropriate skin area must be selected, commonly being the fingertip or earlobe in adults and the heel in infants. A 'time out' is observed for procedure verification, and the dermis must be penetrated for blood sampling. Proper site and tool sterilization are essential to prevent complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before performing a capillary or dermal puncture, it is crucial to select an appropriate skin site. The goal is to obtain a sample while minimizing risks and ensuring patient comfort. Typically, the fingertip or an earlobe is chosen for adult patients, whereas the heel is the common site for infants. Prior to the incision, a time-out is observed by medical professionals to confirm the correct procedure and patient details. If an individual cuts themselves with a sharp knife and notices bleeding, they have likely penetrated into the dermis layer of the skin, which contains capillaries and blood vessels.
When selecting a puncture site, it is essential to observe proper infection control procedures, ensuring the area is clean and any equipment used is sterile. The skin's surface is the only part of the body externally accessible and is considered appropriate for such tests. Drawing a sample from the correctly chosen site can help avoid complications such as infection, bruising, or inadequate sampling.