What is an essential measure to protect against blood-borne pathogens?

Wearing gloves is an essential measure to protect against blood-borne pathogens because they act as a barrier between the skin and any potentially infectious materials. When responding to incidents that may involve contact with blood or other bodily fluids, gloves significantly reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. They provide a physical barrier that prevents direct contact with contaminated substances, thereby safeguarding the individual’s health.

While masks, hand sanitizers, and disinfectants play supportive roles in overall infection control and prevention, they do not provide the same direct protection against blood exposure as gloves do. Masks help protect the respiratory tract from airborne pathogens, hand sanitizer aids in reducing the presence of pathogens on hands, and disinfectants are useful for cleaning surfaces after exposure. However, in the context of direct contact with blood, gloves are the primary protective measure.