Question for the Phlebotomists of MN

[grey12]

Is it normal practice now not to clean the skin before drawing blood?....

You don’t have to. Hospital guidelines may vary but national evidence says it’s not necessary.

And most people who do clean the skin don’t do it properly, don’t allow the skin to dry for a minute after and could actually increase the risk of infection

I was just thinking that I had wiped a wet boogie from my toddler just before.... with small children I wouldn't assume my skin is the cleanest around.......

Yes, haven’t done it for years. Only if skin is visibly dirty.

I wasn't cleaning the skin 30 years ago.