Phlebotomy PPE Quiz & Flashcards Guide

Study Notes

Phlebotomy Safety Standards and Procedures

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects phlebotomists from contact with blood or other infectious materials.

PPE for Phlebotomist

Gloves:
- Must be worn at all times when handling blood or other body fluids
- Must be worn when handling contaminated items
- Must be worn when touching non-intact skin or mucous membranes
- Change gloves between each patient
- Don't reuse gloves
Removal of Gloves:
- Remove gloves in a safe aseptic manner
- Pinch one glove below the wrist and pull it off inside out
- Peel away from the body
- Hold inside out gloves with the other hand
- Slip a finger under the second glove and pull off by touching only the inner surface
- Dispose of gloves in a biohazard bin
- Wash hands
Lab Coats:
- Protect against accidental spills
- Long sleeves recommended for further protection
- Clean lab coats look professional
- Prevent cross-contamination
- Don't wear lab coats when not on duty
Goggles and Masks:
- Masks protect against droplets from coughing or sneezing
- Goggles protect the eyes from splashes or sprays of body fluids
Shoes:
- Wear whole shoes to protect feet from spills
- Wear comfortable and supportive shoes
Accessories:
- Avoid wearing hanging earrings
- Avoid bangles and bracelets on hands
- Avoid neck chains
- Avoid bulging rings
Hair:
- Hair should be well-groomed
- Avoid open hair styles
Nails:
- Nails should be well-groomed
- Clean and neat
- Long nails can bust gloves and cause accidents during venipuncture

Hand Washing

Wash hands to prevent the spread of infection
Wash hands before and after each patient
Hand washing technique:
- Stand back from sink
- Wet hands and apply soap
- Scrub all surfaces, including between fingers and around knuckles
- Rinse hands in downward motion from wrist to fingertips
- Use a clean paper towel to turn off tap
- Dry hands with another paper towel

Infection

Infection occurs when a microorganism invades the body, multiplies, and causes injury or disease
Microbes include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses
Microbes that cause disease are called pathogens
Some pathogenic microbes cause communicable infections

Chain of Infection and Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms carried in the blood that can cause disease in people
Examples of bloodborne pathogens include HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C

Needlestick

Steps to take in case of a needlestick:
- Report to supervisor immediately
- Virology testing performed for baseline values
- Antiviral drugs/medications given for safety

Description

Learn about the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for phlebotomists, including types of PPE and when to use them. Understand the safety standards and procedures for handling blood and other infectious materials.