California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

When preparing to aliquot a blood specimen, what is the minimum required personal protective equipment for the technician to wear?

1. Gloves and gown

2. Gloves and face shield

3. Gown and mask

4. Only gloves

The correct answer is: Gloves and face shield

When preparing to aliquot a blood specimen, the technician's primary goal is to ensure safety and prevent contamination. Wearing gloves is crucial as they provide a barrier between the technician's skin and any potentially infectious materials such as blood or bodily fluids. In addition to gloves, a face shield is important because it protects the technician's face and mucous membranes from splashes that may occur when handling blood specimens. The combination of gloves and a face shield offers a comprehensive approach to personal protective equipment (PPE) that safeguards against exposure to infectious agents. This standard practice aligns with health and safety regulations in a laboratory setting. While wearing just gloves may offer some protection, it does not adequately address the risk of exposure to splashes or aerosols. Other combinations, like gloves with a gown or mask, do not provide the same level of facial protection as the face shield. Therefore, the combination of gloves and a face shield is deemed the minimum adequate PPE for this procedure.