Professional Dress

Phlebotomy

           The phlebotomy procedure is complex, requiring both knowledge and skill to perform. The phlebotomist must be knowledgeable in anatomy and physiology, be trained in all aspects of blood collection, and possess sufficient skill to perform the procedure safely. The importance of obtaining a good blood specimen cannot be overemphasized. Blood specimens are utilized to diagnose or confirm a patient’s medical condition.The phlebotomy procedure has always carried a high risk of healthcare-worker occupational exposures
to pathogens: 32 % of accidental needle sticks to phlebotomists occur during blood drawing.Studies have indicated that the risk of transmission of hepatitis C from a single needle stick with a contaminated needle is 1.8–3%; for hepatitis B the risk is 10–30%; and for HIV it is 0.03%.
            OSHA put a safety precaution together to help protect the phlebotomist. It required hospitals to implement an exposure-control plan that specifically addressed healthcare worker safety by incorporating all of the following: engineering controls, work-practice controls, protective equipment, training and education about bloodborne pathogens, and medical treatment after exposure to pathogens.Despite the Blood borne Pathogens Standard
of 1991, the number of needle stick injuries that occurs each year exceeds 380,000.

http://www.infectioncontrolresource.org/Past_Issues/IC13.pdf

Work environment.

             Clinical laboratory personnel are trained to work with infectious specimens. When proper methods of infection control and sterilization are followed, few hazards exist. Protective masks, gloves, and goggles often are necessary to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel.
Working conditions vary with the size and type of employment setting. Laboratories usually are well lighted and clean; however, specimens, solutions, and reagents used in the laboratory sometimes produce fumes. Laboratory workers may spend a great deal of time on their feet.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm