Skin swabbing

[Gladeian]

I recently had blood taken for testing purposes and was surprised that the phlebotomist(?) didnt swab the skin before taking the blood with the needle. With all the talk about MRSA on the skin etc I wondered why this basic hygiene is no longer carried out.

[Sqad]

Swabbing the skin before venopuncture is a waste of time, of far more importance that of the phlebotomist wearing protective gloves, changing them and washing her hands.

[LazyGun]

As Sqad says. No evidence to suggest that swabbing the skin had any health benefit for either patient or phlebotomist. Only if the skin is very obviously dirty, or the patient known to be immunosuppressed is swabbing the skin (with soap/water) considered beneficial.

[rowanwitch]

actually makes it more painful to take blood if the alcohol swab hasn't dried