California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

After performing a procedure on a patient with MRSA, what should the phlebotomy technician do with their gown?

1. Reuse it if intact

2. Dispose gown before leaving the room

3. Fold it neatly

4. Give it to the nurse for cleaning

The correct answer is: Dispose gown before leaving the room

A phlebotomy technician should dispose of their gown before leaving the room after performing a procedure on a patient with MRSA. This is important for preventing the transmission of infection. MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a strain of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics and can easily spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. By disposing of the gown, the technician minimizes the risk of carrying the bacteria outside the patient's room and contaminating other environments or individuals. Infection control protocols dictate that personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns, should be discarded in appropriate waste containers to ensure safety and maintain a sterile environment. In contrast, reusing the gown, folding it neatly, or handing it to a nurse for cleaning compromises safety protocols and increases the likelihood of cross-contamination, which could pose a serious health risk to others.