American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

What is the purpose of wearing gloves during a phlebotomy procedure?

1. To keep hands warm

2. To create a sterile environment

3. To prevent contamination

4. To enhance grip on the needle

The correct answer is: To prevent contamination

The primary purpose of wearing gloves during a phlebotomy procedure is to prevent contamination. Gloves serve as a barrier between the healthcare professional’s hands and any potential pathogens present in the patient's blood, as well as protecting the patient from any microorganisms that may be on the technician’s skin. This practice minimizes the risk of transmitting infections, ensuring both safety for the patient and the healthcare provider. While creating a sterile environment and enhancing grip can be considerations in specific contexts, those are not the primary reasons gloves are worn during phlebotomy. Keeping hands warm is also not relevant in this context. Therefore, the emphasis on preventing contamination highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene and safety standards in medical procedures.