Gloves should be changed between patients when performing phlebotomy.

Changing gloves between patients during phlebotomy is a critical practice in infection control and prevention. Always changing gloves helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination between patients. When healthcare professionals use gloves, they may come into contact with blood, bodily fluids, and potentially infectious materials. By changing gloves between each patient, practitioners ensure that any pathogens or contaminants acquired during one procedure do not pose a risk to the next patient.

This protocol is grounded in the principles of standard precautions, which advocate treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. In doing so, healthcare workers protect not only the health of their patients but also their own safety and that of their colleagues.

While there may be circumstances where gloves can be changed after certain tasks (like handling materials or equipment), the guideline of always changing gloves between patients emphasizes a consistent approach to safety in clinical settings. This practice is crucial in maintaining a sterile environment and fostering patient trust in the quality of care being provided.