What should be done with the first drop of blood during a capillary collection?

In capillary blood collection, the first drop of blood should be wiped away because it may contain tissue fluid and contaminants that can affect the accuracy of the test results. Mixing tissue fluid with blood can dilute analytes and lead to erroneous results. Therefore, it is standard practice to discard the first drop to ensure that the subsequent samples obtained are representative of true blood composition without any foreign substances that could compromise the analysis.

This practice helps in providing the most accurate and reliable laboratory results, ensuring that the tests conducted subsequently reflect the actual health status of the patient. The focus on accuracy is vital in laboratory settings, as even small variations can significantly impact clinical decisions.