Which of the following is the first step a phlebotomist should take to prevent the spread of infection?

While wearing gloves is crucial for protecting both the patient and the healthcare worker, it is not the first step in infection prevention. Gloves can become contaminated, and their effectiveness is compromised if the underlying hands are not clean. Thus, proper handwashing should precede glove use to ensure maximum safety.

Applying antiseptic to puncture sites is an important step in preparing for a venipuncture; however, it follows the essential practice of handwashing. If hands are not adequately cleaned beforehand, antiseptic application may not fully prevent the introduction of pathogens into the puncture site.

Decontaminating equipment is a vital practice in infection control, but it does not address the immediate risk of infection from the phlebotomist's own hands. Equipment decontamination should occur after handwashing and is part of a broader infection control protocol rather than the initial step.