Which of the following is an essential practice in preventing transmission of infections during phlebotomy?

The importance of preventing transmission of infections during phlebotomy cannot be overstated, and all the practices listed are vital components of a comprehensive infection control strategy.

Performing hand hygiene before and after the procedure is foundational in limiting the spread of pathogens. Proper hand washing or using hand sanitizer kills or removes germs from the skin, significantly reducing the likelihood of transferring infectious agents between patients and healthcare providers.

Wearing gloves and a mask serves as a barrier that helps protect both phlebotomists and patients from exposure to bodily fluids and respiratory droplets. This is critical as blood can contain a variety of infectious agents, and masks help mitigate the risk of airborne transmission.

Using a new needle for every patient is crucial as it prevents the reuse of contaminated equipment, which can otherwise facilitate the transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis viruses.

Since each of these practices addresses a different aspect of infection control during phlebotomy, collectively they form a robust strategy to minimize the risk of infection. Thus, all of the listed practices are essential in the context of infection prevention for phlebotomy procedures.