Final answer:
Perform a dermal puncture on the third or fourth finger when collecting a blood sample from patients 1 year or older.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a dermal puncture on patients 1 year or older, it is recommended to perform it on the third or fourth finger. These fingers are preferred because they have a generous blood supply and are less sensitive than the thumb or index finger. The puncture should be made on the side of the finger near the edge, avoiding the central pad area.
Performing a dermal puncture on the third or fourth finger allows for easy collection of a blood sample for various tests such as glucose monitoring, hemoglobin testing, or blood gas analysis.