When performing a finger puncture, what should be done with the first drop of blood?

In the process of performing a finger puncture, the first drop of blood is typically wiped away due to the presence of tissue fluid or contaminants that may be mixed with it. This can result in inaccurate test results, especially if the blood is being collected for diagnostic purposes. The presence of tissue fluid could dilute the blood sample, affecting glucose levels or the concentration of other analytes, which is crucial for getting precise measurements. By discarding the first drop, the person performing the procedure ensures that the subsequent drops of blood collected are more representative of the individual's blood.

The remaining options involve scenarios where the first drop of blood is collected or analyzed, which would not be advisable due to the risk of contaminated or skewed results. This practice of wiping away the first drop is a standard protocol in phlebotomy and fingerstick procedures to uphold the integrity of laboratory tests.