Which piece of personal protective equipment must a medical assistant wear while performing a venipuncture?

When performing a venipuncture, the primary concern is to minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and ensure patient safety. Wearing gloves is essential because they act as a barrier between the medical assistant's skin and any potential contaminants from the patient's blood. This prevents direct contact with blood and reduces the risk of transferring infectious agents.

The use of gloves is crucial not only for the protection of the healthcare worker but also for preventing the transmission of infections to patients. This aligns with standard infection control practices in healthcare settings, where proper use of gloves is mandated during procedures that involve contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

While goggles, face shields, and lab coats serve important protective roles in other contexts (e.g., protecting the eyes and face from splashes or covering clothing), gloves are the most critical piece of personal protective equipment specifically for venipuncture. They are directly related to handling blood and preventing contamination, making them the correct choice in this scenario.