NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

The term universal precautions refers to:

1. universal blood donors.

2. mixing organic chemicals under a hood.

3. wellness clinics available to everyone.

4. treating all specimens as infectious.

The correct answer is: treating all specimens as infectious.

The term universal precautions is a crucial concept within phlebotomy and healthcare in general. It emphasizes the need to treat all blood and potentially infectious materials as if they are infectious. This approach is designed to protect healthcare workers and patients alike from the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis B. By implementing universal precautions, healthcare professionals use protective barriers, such as gloves and masks, regardless of whether a particular patient is known to have an infectious disease. This precautionary stance minimizes the risk of infection and promotes safety in medical environments. The intention is to ensure that all specimens are handled with the utmost care and respect for potential hazards, fostering a culture of safety and responsible practice. In contrast, the other provided options do not relate to the universal precautions principle. Universal blood donors refers to individuals with a specific blood type, mixing organic chemicals under a hood relates to laboratory safety practices for chemical handling, and wellness clinics available to everyone pertains to accessible health services, all of which do not pertain to the handling of biological specimens in the context of infection prevention.