What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required by OSHA when performing venous blood draws?

When performing venous blood draws, the primary concern is to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates the use of gloves as a crucial piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) in such procedures. Gloves serve as a barrier between the healthcare worker's skin and any potential contaminants, including blood or other bodily fluids, thus significantly reducing the risk of infection and ensuring both the worker's and patient's safety.

While additional PPE such as gowns, face shields, or masks may be required in specific situations where there is a risk of splatter or contact with larger volumes of blood, gloves are the fundamental requirement for any procedure that involves direct contact with blood. They help in maintaining hygiene and protecting against the transmission of diseases. This makes gloves the essential, standard PPE for venous blood draws as outlined by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.