What safety precautions should a PCT follow when handling blood?

The emphasis on ensuring hand hygiene and using personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in maintaining a safe environment when handling blood. This safety protocol protects both the Patient Care Technician (PCT) and the patients from exposure to potentially infectious materials.

Hand hygiene is critical because it significantly reduces the risk of transferring pathogens. Proper techniques, including thorough washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, help eliminate microorganisms that could lead to infection.

Using personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, provides an additional barrier against exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Gloves are particularly important as they create a protective layer between the technician's skin and any blood or bodily fluids, minimizing the risk of contamination.

This combination of hand hygiene and appropriate PPE ensures that PCTs can handle blood safely and effectively, aligning with standard infection control practices widely recognized in healthcare settings.