When is eye/face protection recommended during phlebotomy?

When is eye/face protection recommended during phlebotomy?

• A. If there is risk of splashes or patient has cough or blood-borne risk
• B. Never Needed
• C. Only for Pediatric Patients
• D. Only When Drawing From an IV Line

Answer: (A)

Eye and face protection is used whenever there is any possibility of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials during phlebotomy. This means protecting the eyes and face with goggles or a face shield when there is a risk of splashes or droplets, such as if a patient coughs, sneezes, or there could be splatter of blood during draws. It’s about the exposure risk present in the moment, not about a specific type of patient or a particular procedure like drawing from an IV line. Therefore, eye/face protection is recommended under these risk conditions to prevent contact with infectious materials.

Eye and face protection is used whenever there is any possibility of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials during phlebotomy. This means protecting the eyes and face with goggles or a face shield when there is a risk of splashes or droplets, such as if a patient coughs, sneezes, or there could be splatter of blood during draws. It’s about the exposure risk present in the moment, not about a specific type of patient or a particular procedure like drawing from an IV line. Therefore, eye/face protection is recommended under these risk conditions to prevent contact with infectious materials.