NCCT Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

When preparing a blood smear from a skin puncture, the first drop of blood should be wiped away as it may contain tissue fluids, contaminants, or other impurities that can affect the quality of the blood smear. By removing the first drop, you ensure that the sample used for the smear is more representative of the true blood composition and is less likely to be influenced by any extraneous substances. This practice helps to enhance the accuracy of the microscopic examination and subsequent analysis of the blood sample.

The other actions listed, while they may seem relevant in other contexts, do not contribute positively to the quality of a blood smear. For example, analyzing the first drop for glucose levels or collecting it for testing would introduce potential inaccuracies due to the possibility of contamination. Saving it for later would not be appropriate since the focus should be on ensuring that the smear is prepared from the cleanest sample possible.