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To whom do Standard Precautions apply?

Standard Precautions apply to every patient, regardless of known or suspected infection status.

When should a phlebotomist clean their hands?

Clean hands before touching a patient or starting an aseptic task, after potential contamination, immediately after glove removal, and between patients.

What is the rule for reusing needles or syringes?

Use sterile, single-use needles and devices for each patient. Never reuse a needle or syringe, even if the needle is changed.

How should a phlebotomist choose PPE?

Choose PPE according to the task’s anticipated exposure, including possible splashes, sprays, or contact with skin, clothing, eyes, nose, or mouth.

What actions are prohibited with a contaminated needle?

Do not recap, bend, break, or remove a contaminated needle.

What immediate first aid follows a possible exposure?

Wash punctures and cuts with soap and water. Flush exposed skin or mucous membranes with water, and irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile eyewash.

What should you do if a patient becomes faint during a draw?

Stop the draw safely, secure the sharp in the sharps container, and assist the patient according to training and facility protocol.

When is soap and water preferred over hand rub?

Use alcohol-based hand rub for routine care when hands are not visibly soiled; wash with soap and water when they are visibly soiled.

Can wearing gloves replace hand hygiene?

No. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene; clean hands at the appropriate times, including immediately after removing gloves.

When is eye or face protection needed?

Wear goggles or a face shield when splashing or spraying is reasonably anticipated.

What should happen to a safety-engineered sharp after use?

Activate the device’s safety feature immediately after use according to its instructions, then discard it directly into an appropriate sharps container.

What features should a sharps container have?

Discard contaminated sharps immediately, or as soon as feasible, into an accessible, closable, puncture-resistant, leak-resistant, appropriately labeled container.