Final answer:
Phlebotomists are required to wear clean, disposable gloves for venipuncture, but not necessarily sterile gloves. Aseptic technique is maintained to prevent infection and ensure both patient and phlebotomist safety, with gloves being disposed of after each use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phlebotomists are not required to wear sterile gloves for venipuncture, but they must wear clean, disposable gloves. Venipuncture is a procedure where a needle is inserted into a vein to draw blood. It must be performed under aseptic techniques to minimize the risk of contamination and infection. While the procedure doesn't require sterile gloves, the gloves should be new for each patient. This is because the risk of infection comes not only from the phlebotomists' hands but also from potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment. The use of new gloves also serves to protect the phlebotomist from bloodborne pathogens. According to protocols, the gloves used need to be appropriate for the tasks and should be disposable to prevent cross-contamination between patients.
The guiding principle is to maintain a sterile field and environment as much as possible. This includes using tools such as pipettes and media that are sterile. Any procedure that has a risk for contamination must uphold a sterile field to prevent sepsis. Additionally, gloves and other protective gear, such as safety glasses or goggles, must be disposed of properly in the biohazard garbage after use. These practices are crucial in healthcare settings where blood is drawn for diagnostics, transfusions, donations, or research. They protect both the patient and healthcare workers such as phlebotomists, who are at a higher risk of needle sticks and potential infection from bloodborne pathogens.