Q:  What is the proper way of preparing skin site for drawing peripheral blood culture?

Answer:  Vigorously cleanse the skin over the venipuncture site in a circle approximately 5 cm in diameter with 70%alcohol. Scrubbing should continue for 30 seconds. Starting in the centre of the circle, apply 10% povidine iodine (betadine) in ever widening circles until the entire circle is saturated with iodine*. Leave the iodine (or chlorhexidine) on the venipuncture site to act for 60 seconds.  Do not touch the venipuncture site after preparation and prior to phlebotomy.

*Chlorhexidine swabs which are 2% chlorhexidine Gluconate and 70% Isoporpyl Alcohol can be used in place of iodine.