Final answer:
Gloves must be removed and hands must be washed when answering a telephone in a technical or clean work area, carrying specimens through clean areas, and after handling specimens from isolation precaution patients to prevent contamination and spread of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gloves worn in the laboratory for specimen processing must be removed and hands washed when any of the following situations occur: when answering the telephone in the technical work area, after handling specimens from known isolation precaution patients, or any other situation where there may be risk of contamination. This is because telephone surfaces in the technical work area may become contaminated with specimen material and therefore constitute a surface that could transmit contaminants. One must also remove gloves and wash hands when carrying specimens outside the technical work area through "clean" areas to maintain the cleanliness of those areas and prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, gloves should be removed and hands washed when answering the telephone in a designated "clean" area to maintain its sterile condition. Finally, it is critical to properly dispose of gloves and wash hands after handling specimens from known isolation precaution patients to protect oneself and prevent the spread of infection.
According to guidelines, proper hand hygiene involves thoroughly washing hands after the removal of gloves, which is critically important in preventing the transmission of potentially infectious agents. Laboratory safety protocols also recommend the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, or safety aprons when handling hazardous materials. Moreover, it is important to maintain sterile techniques, such as not touching sterile equipment like pipettes and media directly with hands.