Question

Some donor centers have implemented the practice of diverting the first few milliliters of blood collected into a pouch attached to the collection bag. What is the purpose of this procedure?

Answer 1

To prevent or limit bacterial contamination of the collected blood

Step-by-step explanation:

The first few milliliters of blood have been reported to have a high probability of bacterial contaminant from the skin. Several studies have shown that diverting the first 10 to 30 milliliters of blood from a donor into a special pouch is effective in limiting the chances of collected blood being contaminated with bacteria.

Hence, the purpose of the procedure is to limit the bacterial contaminant that will enter the blood collection bag.