Final answer:
Using povidone-iodine as a cleanser can affect certain test results due to contamination, it is recommended to use alcohol to avoid interference with test assays.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a phlebotomist uses povidone-iodine to cleanse a site for a dermal puncture, certain test results may be affected due to the potential contamination with iodine, which could interfere with some assays. Specifically, povidone-iodine can interfere with tests that measure levels of certain substances, such as glucose, potassium, and uric acid, leading to falsely elevated results. It's important for a phlebotomist to use an appropriate disinfectant, such as alcohol, that will not interfere with laboratory tests.