How can healthcare workers ensure proper handling of body fluids?

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is crucial for healthcare workers when handling body fluids to minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens. PPE can include items such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, which are designed to provide barriers against infectious agents that may be present in body fluids.

The use of PPE is a fundamental component of the Standard Precautions guidelines, which aim to protect both healthcare workers and patients in a medical setting. Properly applied, PPE allows for safe handling of potentially infectious materials, reducing the likelihood of transmission of bloodborne pathogens or other infectious agents.

Additionally, while other options involve practices that may enhance safety, they do not provide the same level of protection as correctly using PPE. For example, regular work gloves may not be designed to protect against all pathogens and may lack proper waterproofing or barrier properties. Washing hands only after contact does not prevent exposure during contact, and using disinfectant sprays before handling does not substitute for wearing protective gear to guard against direct exposure to infectious materials. Thus, utilizing PPE represents the most effective and comprehensive approach for ensuring safety when dealing with body fluids.