When should face shields be worn in the laboratory area by a phlebotomist?

Face shields should be worn while processing samples in the laboratory area by a phlebotomist because this task often involves working with potentially hazardous materials such as blood or other bodily fluids that can splatter or aerosolize. The face shield provides a crucial barrier to protect the eyes, mouth, and face from exposure to infectious agents that may be present in these specimens.

In laboratory settings, the risk of exposure increases during processing due to tasks such as mixing, centrifuging, or transferring samples, which can generate droplets. Wearing a face shield, in conjunction with other personal protective equipment (PPE), helps ensure a higher level of safety by preventing direct contact with any contaminants.

While other actions, such as patient interviews or labeling tubes, carry certain risks, the nature of processing samples poses a more significant threat of exposure, making the use of a face shield particularly important during this specific activity.