When preparing a blood smear from a skin puncture, what should you do with the first drop?

When preparing a blood smear from a skin puncture, the first drop of blood should be wiped away. This is essential because the first drop of blood may contain interstitial fluid or other contaminants that can affect the accuracy and quality of the smear. By removing the first drop, you ensure that the subsequent drops will be more representative of the blood itself, leading to a cleaner and more reliable sample for microscopic examination.

Choosing to collect, use immediately, or store the first drop would not yield an optimal sample. Collecting or using it could introduce contaminants, while storing it would not be applicable as the blood is meant to be smeared for immediate analysis. Therefore, wiping away the first drop is the best practice to ensure the integrity of the blood smear.