American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

What personal protective equipment (PPE) must a phlebotomist wear when collecting from a patient in isolation with contact precautions?

1. Mask and gloves

2. Gloves and gown

3. Gown and face shield

4. Gloves only

The correct answer is: Gloves and gown

In the context of infection control, when a phlebotomist is collecting blood from a patient in isolation with contact precautions, it is critical to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. Wearing gloves is essential to protect against direct contact with potentially infectious materials such as blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces. Additionally, a gown is required to provide protection for the healthcare worker's clothing and skin from exposure to infectious agents, especially when there's a risk of splashes or contact with contaminated surfaces during the procedure. Contact precautions are specifically designed to prevent the spread of pathogens that are transmitted through direct contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces and objects. Thus, the combination of gloves and a gown represents the standard requirement to ensure both the safety of the healthcare worker and the integrity of infection control protocols. While masks, face shields, and other options may be necessary in different contexts (such as airborne or droplet precautions), they are not specifically mandated for contact precautions alone. Therefore, the choice of gloves and gown is the most appropriate response to the question regarding a phlebotomist's required PPE when dealing with isolation situations that adhere to contact precautions.