What should you do if a patient has a known allergy to alcohol?

Using an alternative antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine, is the appropriate action when a patient has a known allergy to alcohol. Chlorhexidine is a widely accepted antiseptic that can effectively reduce the number of microorganisms on the skin before a procedure without triggering an allergic reaction in patients sensitive to alcohol. It’s essential to consider patient safety and comfort, and using an alternative ensures that the antiseptic used does not provoke an allergic response.

In clinical practice, maintaining the integrity of the procedure while accommodating patient allergies is crucial. Selecting a suitable antiseptic that achieves the same level of microbial reduction as alcohol, without posing a risk to the patient, exemplifies adherence to best practices in phlebotomy and patient care.