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The most commonly used antiseptic for routine blood collection is 70% isopropyl alcohol. This concentration of isopropyl alcohol is effective in reducing the number of surface bacteria and other pathogens that could contaminate the blood sample or the skin during the venipuncture process. It works efficiently by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids, which leads to the disruption of the cell membranes of microorganisms.

Isopropyl alcohol is favored in laboratory and clinical settings due to its rapid evaporation rate, leaving little residual solution that could interfere with test results. It is important to thoroughly clean the skin before blood collection to minimize the risk of infection and ensure the integrity of the specimen collected.

While chlorhexidine solution is also an effective antiseptic and is often used in situations requiring higher levels of antiseptic effectiveness, such as for central line placements or surgeries, it is not the standard for routine blood collections. Ethanol and 70% hydrogen peroxide are less commonly used for this purpose, as they may not penetrate microbial cell walls as effectively or could leave residues that might interfere with certain diagnostic tests, respectively.