NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceEasy
A phlebotomy technician is reviewing the laboratory's exposure control plan. Which of the following is a primary purpose of this plan?
- ATo establish guidelines for patient visitation hours.
- BTo outline procedures for patient billing and insurance claims.
- CTo minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
- DTo detail protocols for facility maintenance and cleaning.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
An exposure control plan is mandated by OSHA and is designed to protect healthcare workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Its primary purpose is to identify risks and outline procedures to prevent and manage occupational exposures.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This relates to hospital policies, not occupational safety.
- B. This is related to administrative tasks, not safety.
- D. While important for safety, this is not the primary focus of an exposure control plan regarding bloodborne pathogens.
Exposure Control Plan
A written plan required by OSHA that identifies employees at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and outlines measures to minimize this risk.
- Mandated by OSHA.
- Includes engineering and work practice controls.
- Details PPE, housekeeping, and hepatitis B vaccination.
- Outlines post-exposure evaluation and follow-up.
Memory trick: ECP: Every Care Provider's Protection.