Why is it important to allow alcohol to dry before performing a venipuncture?

Allowing alcohol to dry before performing a venipuncture is crucial because it helps prevent a stinging sensation for the patient and avoids potential hemolysis of the blood sample. When alcohol is applied to the skin, it can create an antiseptic barrier that reduces the risk of infection. However, if the alcohol is not allowed to dry completely, it can mix with the blood upon puncture, leading to a hemolysis reaction where red blood cells break down prematurely. This can affect the quality of the blood sample and lead to inaccurate test results. Ensuring that the skin is dry before proceeding with the venipuncture maximizes patient comfort and maintains the integrity of the specimen being collected, which is essential for accurate laboratory analysis.