ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam

A fomite refers to any inanimate object or surface that can carry and transfer infectious organisms. In healthcare settings, there are numerous surfaces and materials that could act as fomites, but the most relevant one in this context is the phlebotomy tray. The phlebotomy tray is frequently used to hold all necessary equipment during blood collection, making it a potential surface that can become contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or microorganisms if proper infection control practices are not followed. Because it comes into direct contact with medical instruments and is often handled by healthcare personnel, it can easily harbor pathogens. In contrast, patient’s clothing, medical gloves, and bed linens are not considered fomites in the same way. Patient's clothing can be personal and may not be directly related to the transfer of infections in the context of medical procedures. Medical gloves are designed for single use and are intended to protect both the healthcare provider and the patient from infection, minimizing their role as vectors for disease. Bed linens, while they can carry pathogens, are generally viewed as part of the overall environment rather than a specific instrument or tool used for interaction with patients. Hence, the phlebotomy tray, as a common piece of equipment in direct contact with various materials