---
title: "Biohazard Exposure Prevention: Tips for Protecting Yourself"
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/biohazard-exposure-prevention-tips-for-protecting-yourself/"
type: post
date_published: 2013-04-17
date_modified: 2013-04-17
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 346
reading_time: 2 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/biohazard-exposure-prevention-tips-for-protecting-yourself/"
categories:
  - AZC Healthcare Programs
topic:
  - Phlebotomy
---

# Biohazard Exposure Prevention: Tips for Protecting Yourself

Professionals in
[the field of Phlebotomy](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/medical-assisting/phlebotomist/)
have the responsibility of collecting samples of blood from patients. It is
absolutely critical that Phlebotomists use caution – both for their own safety
and the safety of others – when performing venipuncture in order to avoid
exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

During
[training](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/medical-assisting/),
aspiring Phlebotomists learn a number of standard safety procedures and
precautions that help protect them when performing their duties. These include
needlestick precautions, how to handle spills, and proper needle disposal.

**Needlestick Precautions** – If a Phlebotomist accidentally sticks him or
herself with a contaminated needle, precautions must be taken to prevent the
spread of infection. The Phlebotomist must first remove their gloves, and the
site of the needlestick should be washed with soap and water while squeezing to
promote bleeding. This is very important as it helps to flush the contaminate
from the Phlebotomist’s system. The patient’s name and record should also be
kept on record in case an infection does occur and more information is required.
The Phlebotomist’s supervisor should be notified immediately for further
instruction.

**Spills** – In the case that a blood sample is spilled, the Phlebotomist should
first ensure that they are wearing the necessary protective gear. Next, they
must carefully dispose of any material that came in contact with the spill in a
biohazard container. Finally, the area where the spill occurred should be
cleaned with a disinfectant.

**Proper Needle Disposal** – After drawing blood, the Phlebotomist must properly
dispose of the used needle in an approved sharps container.

Phlebotomists should also be mindful of universal safety precautions that don’t
pertain solely to Phlebotomy, including frequent hand washing, wearing the
proper protective clothing in a laboratory environment, wearing a new pair of
gloves for each patient, and ensuring used materials are properly disposed of.

To learn more about how you can become a Phlebotomist,
[contact Arizona College](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/request-information/)
today!

---

_Information in this blog post is accurate as of April 17, 2013._

**Categories:** AZC Healthcare Programs