What is the first step a phlebotomist should take before performing a blood draw?

Washing hands and wearing gloves is the most critical first step a phlebotomist should take before performing a blood draw because it is fundamental to ensuring both the safety of the patient and the healthcare professional. This practice helps to prevent the transmission of infections, maintaining a sterile environment throughout the procedure. Hand hygiene eliminates pathogens that may be present on the phlebotomist's hands, which can cause potential infections for the patient. Additionally, wearing gloves provides a barrier against bloodborne pathogens, protecting both the technician and the patient during the procedure.

Other steps, such as selecting the appropriate needle size or choosing the vein for puncture, while important, should occur after the initial hand hygiene and donning gloves to ensure that the procedure is performed safely and in line with infection control protocols. Checking the patient's medical history is also vital; however, it is normally done prior to the blood draw and does not pertain to the immediate preparatory actions that focus on infection prevention. Thus, the correct initial action is washing hands and wearing gloves to establish a safe and clean working environment before proceeding with any other part of the blood draw process.