What should be used for skin preparation in most blood draws?

Using isopropyl alcohol wipes for skin preparation before a blood draw is ideal due to their antiseptic properties, which help eliminate bacteria on the skin's surface, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and infection. Isopropyl alcohol works effectively to cleanse the site, providing a sterile environment for the procedure. This is particularly important in blood draws to ensure accurate test results and the safety of both the patient and the healthcare provider.

Other options do not provide the same level of disinfection. Water alone lacks sufficient antiseptic properties to remove pathogens effectively. Baby wipes may contain moisturizers and fragrances that could interfere with test results and do not offer effective microbial control. Hydrogen peroxide, while it does have antiseptic qualities, can be irritating to the skin and is not typically recommended for routine use in blood draws, as it can potentially damage the tissue and affect test outcomes.