When a blood culture is ordered, what is used at the venipuncture site to eliminate contaminating bacteria?

Providone-iodine solution, clorhexidine gluconate or benzalkonium chloride

Explanation:

A blood culture is performed to assess the blood for the presence of foreign microbes such as bacteria, fungi such as yeast, and so on.

Blood culturing requires taking blood samples from subjects.  The site of blood collection on the body for blood-related analysis is referred to as venipuncture site. The site must be properly cleaned and sterilized to eliminate contaminating bacteria.

Providone-iodine solution is usually the default solution used at the venipuncture site. However, for those that might be allergic to iodine, clorhexidine gluconate or benzalkonium chloride is usually used in its place.