The phlebotomist uses nitrile gloves during the finger stick procedure. This use of gloves is considered what?

The use of nitrile gloves during the finger stick procedure is categorized as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This classification is important because PPE is designed to protect healthcare workers and patients from exposure to infectious agents and biohazardous materials. Nitrile gloves provide a barrier to prevent direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids, thus minimizing the risk of infection transmission during procedures.

Using gloves is a fundamental practice in phlebotomy, as it not only protects the phlebotomist but also ensures patient safety by reducing contamination risks. While gloves do indeed serve as an infection control measure and can be considered disposable items, their primary designation in this context is as PPE, which encompasses all equipment meant for protection against health risks. The other options highlight different aspects but do not specifically encompass the primary purpose of gloves in this scenario.