A phlebotomist is obtaining a blood specimen from a patient who is suspected of having a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Which of the following pieces of equipment is required

A nonlatex tourniquet is used to facilitate venipuncture by constricting blood flow, making veins more prominent for drawing blood. While this equipment is important for blood collection, it does not offer protection against airborne diseases like tuberculosis, thus making it inadequate in this specific context.

Sterile gloves are important for maintaining aseptic technique and preventing contamination during blood draws. However, they do not protect the healthcare worker from inhaling airborne pathogens. Therefore, while necessary for infection control, they do not fulfill the critical requirement posed by a suspected tuberculosis infection.

A face shield is designed to protect the face and eyes from splashes or sprays of bodily fluids. While it offers some level of protection, it is not specifically designed to filter airborne particles. Therefore, it does not provide the level of respiratory protection required when dealing with a patient suspected of having tuberculosis.