NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to perform a venipuncture on a patient with a known history of hepatitis B. Which of the following precautions is specifically mandated by OSHA for preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens?
- AUtilize engineering controls such as safety-engineered needles.
- BWear a full-body hazmat suit for the procedure.
- CPlace the patient in a negative pressure isolation room.
- DAdminister prophylactic antiviral medication to the technician prior to the draw.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Utilize engineering controls such as safety-engineered needles.
OSHA mandates the use of engineering controls, such as safety-engineered needles, to reduce the risk of sharps injuries and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This is a primary method of prevention.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A hazmat suit is excessive and not required for routine venipuncture on a hepatitis B patient under standard precautions.
- C. Negative pressure rooms are for airborne precautions, not specifically for bloodborne pathogen transmission.
- D. Prophylactic medication is a post-exposure measure, not a pre-exposure prevention mandated by OSHA for every venipuncture.
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
- Mandates use of engineering controls (e.g., safety devices).
- Requires work practice controls (e.g., proper sharps disposal).
- Covers PPE, hepatitis B vaccination, and post-exposure follow-up.
Memory trick: OSHA's E-P-P: Engineering, Practice, PPE!