Under which circumstances should a phlebotomist use two pairs of gloves?

Using two pairs of gloves is recommended in situations where there is a risk of splashing blood or other potentially infectious materials. The purpose of using double gloves is to enhance protection, ensuring that if the outer layer becomes compromised—such as through a puncture or tear—the inner layer still provides a barrier against exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This is particularly important in phlebotomy, where splatter can occur, and the risk of contamination needs to be minimized for both the healthcare worker and the patient.

In other scenarios, such as handling non-infectious samples or performing routine venipuncture without identified hazards, standard single gloves suffice. Similarly, while working with hazardous chemicals may require specific types of gloves, they do not typically necessitate the use of two pairs unless there is a high risk of exposure or spillage.