What is the primary reason for using gloves during specimen collection?

The primary reason for using gloves during specimen collection is to protect the healthcare worker from infection. Wearing gloves acts as a barrier against potential pathogens that may be present in blood or other bodily fluids. This is crucial in healthcare settings where exposure to infectious agents can occur. By using gloves, healthcare workers minimize their risk of transmitting infections to themselves or carrying contaminants to other patients.

While preventing contamination of the specimen and ensuring the specimen remains sterile are important considerations in some contexts, the immediate and critical concern during specimen collection is the safety of the healthcare provider. Compliance with safety regulations is also a valid reason for glove use, but it is ultimately tied to the protection of the individual handling specimens. Hence, the focus on protecting the healthcare worker underscores the importance of safety and infection control protocols in any medical procedure.