Universal precautions and OSHA mandate the use of gloves whenever there is a chance that the caregiver may be in contact with blood or body fluids. The other end of that IV liine is sitting in a patent's vein, therefore it is a direct access to the patients bloodstream. Although it may be rare with a connector attached, it is possible. You have to have 1000s of RBCs to have visible blood. Don't take the risk for yourself. Gloves are less than a penny a piece.
I will add that we have needleless connectors on all lines.
Universal precautions and OSHA mandate the use of gloves whenever there is a chance that the caregiver may be in contact with blood or body fluids. The other end of that IV liine is sitting in a patent's vein, therefore it is a direct access to the patients bloodstream. Although it may be rare with a connector attached, it is possible. You have to have 1000s of RBCs to have visible blood. Don't take the risk for yourself. Gloves are less than a penny a piece.
Chris Cavanaugh, RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC