Which area should be avoided when performing hand collections?

The wrist and any intersection/"V" areas should be avoided during hand collections because these regions are more susceptible to injury and may have a higher concentration of nerves and blood vessels, increasing the risk of complications. Collecting samples from these areas can also create a greater chance of hitting a vein or artery, leading to unnecessary pain and potential bleeding or bruising.

The choice to avoid the wrist and intersection areas aligns with best practices in phlebotomy and sample collection, as it maximizes the likelihood of obtaining a clean and safe sample while minimizing risk to the patient. In contrast, other areas such as the palm, tips of the fingers, or above the base of the fingers can generally be accessed more safely and with less risk of complications.