What is the role of chlorhexidine gluconate in blood culture procedures?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a broad-spectrum antiseptic that is primarily used for skin disinfection before procedures that involve puncturing the skin, such as blood cultures. Its role in blood culture procedures is crucial, as it helps reduce the risk of infection by effectively eliminating or reducing the number of bacteria present on the skin at the puncture site.

When a blood culture is performed, it is essential to collect a sterile sample to accurately detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream. The use of chlorhexidine gluconate ensures that the sampling process does not introduce additional contaminants that could result in false-positive results.

Other options, such as dissolving blood clots, promoting bacterial growth, or stabilizing glucose levels, do not align with the specific function of chlorhexidine gluconate in this context. Instead, its primary focus is on disinfection, making it a critical component in ensuring the integrity and validity of blood culture results.