In which situation is it necessary for a medical assistant to wear gloves?

Wearing gloves is crucial when handling blood samples due to the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials. Gloves serve as a barrier that protects both the medical assistant and the patient from the transmission of infections. In this scenario, the act of handling blood, which can carry viruses and bacteria, necessitates gloves to ensure safety and adherence to standard precautions.

This practice aligns with infection control protocols that require protective equipment when there is a risk of contact with bodily fluids. The need for gloves in this context emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sterile and safe environment within medical settings, particularly when dealing with specimens that may pose health risks.

In contrast, conducting a patient interview or documenting patient information does not involve direct contact with potentially infectious materials, thus making gloves unnecessary in those cases. A physical examination may require gloves if contact with bodily fluids or open skin lesions is anticipated, but it is not a blanket requirement as it is when specifically handling blood samples.