What is an important hygiene practice for phlebotomists when preparing for blood draws?

Changing gloves for every procedure is a crucial hygiene practice for phlebotomists preparing for blood draws. This practice helps to ensure that any potential contaminants or biological materials from one patient do not transfer to another, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination and infection. By wearing a fresh pair of gloves for each procedure, phlebotomists maintain a sterile environment, which is vital for both patient safety and the integrity of the blood samples being collected.

Hand hygiene is commonly emphasized in medical settings, and while applying hand sanitizer is an important practice, it is not a substitute for changing gloves between procedures. Similarly, the presence of jewelry, like rings and bracelets, can harbor bacteria and should be avoided in a clinical setting. Washing hands only when visibly dirty does not align with best practices in infection control, as pathogens may be present even when hands appear clean. Therefore, consistently changing gloves is fundamental to maintaining high hygiene standards in phlebotomy.