Final answer:
The most crucial action to prevent the spread of infection during phlebotomy is proper hand washing. This includes using soap and warm water, following recommendations from the CDC. Protective gear, sterilized equipment, and hygiene protocols are also vital in this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preventing Infection During Phlebotomy
During phlebotomy, to prevent the spread of infection, health-care workers must adhere to strict hygiene protocols. While wearing protective gear, using sharps containers, and utilizing a bleach solution are all important measures, proper hand washing stands as the single most crucial action to prevent infection. The comprehensive hand washing technique involves using soap, warm running water, and a rigorous scrubbing routine recommended by the CDC. This method effectively reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.
Furthermore, preventing contact with bodily fluids by wearing appropriate protective equipment like gloves and face protection is essential. Any exposure to skin should be followed by washing with soap and water, and possibly with treatments such as 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach if necessary. Contaminated materials should be properly disposed of through autoclaving, incineration, or treatment with a strong basic solution.
To maintain an aseptic environment during lab work, pre-sterilized equipment is necessary, and after completing tasks with cultures, gloves should be properly disposed of in biohazard containers. Regularly disinfecting surfaces with solutions like 10% bleach can also help prevent the spread of infections such as hepatitis B, which can be infectious on surfaces for up to a week.