When testing specimens that may be contaminated with blood-borne or other pathogens, which of the following would apply?

A) Use a mouth pipette to draw specimens
B) Avoid working when you have cuts, lesions, or sores on your hands
C) Rock the stopper back and forth to transfer a blood specimen from one collection tube to another container
D) Place the tube stopper directly on the work counter without covering it
E) Work on an open counter when completing procedures that are likely to generate splashes of contaminated material

Using a mouth pipette to draw specimens (A) is unsafe and outdated due to the risk of exposure to pathogens. Rocking the stopper back and forth (C) can lead to aerosolization of the specimen, increasing the risk of exposure. Placing the tube stopper directly on the work counter (D) can contaminate the work surface. Working on an open counter during procedures that generate splashes (E) increases the risk of exposure to contaminants. Avoiding work when having cuts, lesions, or sores on your hands (B) is a recommended safety practice to prevent infection and cross-contamination.