NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

To comply with the current Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, phlebotomists must:

1. discard sharps only into containers attached to the wall.

2. activate the needle protection device before removing the needle from the adapter.

3. decontaminate needle adapters between each patient.

4. activate the needle protective device and discard the needle and the adapter.

The correct answer is: activate the needle protective device and discard the needle and the adapter.

To ensure compliance with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, it's essential for phlebotomists to prioritize safety and minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The correct action involves activating the needle protection device and discarding both the needle and the adapter. Activating the needle protection device immediately after the blood draw safeguards against accidental needle sticks, which can lead to transmission of infections such as HIV or Hepatitis. Discarding the needle and the adapter together in an approved sharps container ensures that all potentially contaminated materials are disposed of correctly, reducing the chance of future exposure. The approach of ensuring that both components are discarded as a single unit is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and protecting healthcare workers, patients, and the community. Proper disposal practices, as outlined by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, are vital for infection control in healthcare settings.