What solution must be used to clean the intended venipuncture site before blood donation?

The correct choice, PVP iodine complex, is essential for cleaning the intended venipuncture site before blood donation due to its effectiveness as a broad-spectrum antiseptic. Povidone-iodine (PVP iodine) works by releasing iodine, which has antimicrobial properties that help eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the skin surface. This is particularly important in blood donation practices to minimize the risk of infection during the procedure.

Using an antiseptic with a proven track record, such as PVP iodine, not only ensures that the skin is adequately sanitized but also enhances the overall safety of the blood donation process for both the donor and the transfusion recipient. The use of PVP iodine complex is widely supported in clinical guidelines, making it the preferred choice for pre-donation site preparation.

While other disinfectants, like hypochlorite or isopropyl alcohol, may have some antiseptic properties, they are not the standard in venipuncture site preparation for blood donation due to factors like skin irritation or less effective antimicrobial action. Acetone is not suitable for this purpose as it does not have significant antiseptic properties and could potentially harm the skin.