Glove use during venipuncture and other blood collection procedures is a voluntary practice. Should it be made mandatory?
A recent article in our local newspaper (The Daily News) by Beth Johnston reported that Capital Health is reviewing its policy that allows phlebotomists to choose whether or not to wear gloves when performing blood collections. A complaint by the mother of a 23-year-old client who had bloodwork performed at the Dartmouth General Hospital on January 5, has resulted in a review of the voluntary glove policy.
Although the complainant was somewhat misdirected in his understanding of why gloves were necessary, the case does highlight a practice that should involve mandatory wearing of gloves. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) venipuncture standards recommend that gloves be worn for blood collection, a measure that would reduce the risk of healthcare worker exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
The complaint also shows that the public is becoming much more aware of healthcare worker practices. The complainant noted that he did not see the phlebotomist wash his hands before approaching him to take his blood.
Personally, I wear gloves while taking blood...for my own protection. Small breaks and cracks in the skin provide a route for blood to enter my body. If the blood carries bloodborne pathogens, I am at risk of contracting infection. As long as the gloves fit properly, I do not find that they interfere with my ability to finds veins or perform the procedure. When teaching, I follow the CLSI recommendations and insist that students wear gloves during training. It is my hope that they will continue to do so when they leave training.
