What does wearing gloves during blood draws primarily protect against?

Wearing gloves during blood draws primarily protects against exposure to infectious materials. Gloves serve as a barrier between the phlebotomist's skin and the patient’s blood, significantly reducing the risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens. By wearing gloves, phlebotomists shield themselves from potentially infectious fluids, such as blood, which could contain viruses and bacteria that pose health risks.

The importance of this protective measure lies in maintaining safety and hygiene in healthcare settings. While gloves do also help to prevent contamination of the sample and reduce the risk of injury from needles, their primary purpose is to safeguard against direct contact with infectious materials, which is critical in mitigating the spread of infections in medical environments.