NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to draw blood from a patient in isolation. The patient is under contact precautions for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). In addition to gloves, which of the following PPE should the technician don before entering the room?
- AEye protection.
- BGown.
- CSurgical mask.
- DN95 respirator.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Gown.
Contact precautions for C. diff require gloves and a gown to prevent direct and indirect contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces. C. diff is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route and spores can survive on surfaces.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Eye protection is generally for splash-generating procedures, not routinely required for C. diff contact precautions unless splashes are anticipated.
- C. Surgical masks are for droplet precautions, not contact precautions.
- D. N95 respirators are for airborne precautions (e.g., TB), not contact precautions.
Contact Precautions
Infection control measures used to prevent transmission of infectious agents that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient's environment.
- Requires gloves and gown.
- Used for organisms like C. diff, MRSA, VRE.
- Dedicated patient equipment or disinfection after use.
Memory trick: Don't 'C'ome 'C'lose without 'C'overing 'G'loves and 'G'own.