When wearing gloves, what surfaces are permissible to touch?

The correct answer indicates that when wearing gloves, it is appropriate to touch specific surfaces that are integral to the testing process, such as the sample area, the template, and the sample tube. This choice emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sterile environment and preventing contamination of samples that are being tested.

The sample area is where the actual lead risk assessment takes place, and handling it with gloves ensures that any potential contaminants are not transferred to the surface. The template and sample tube are also critical components that must remain uncontaminated to ensure accurate results. Thus, gloves should be used selectively to interact with these elements, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

In contrast, touching any surfaces in the testing area without considering contamination risks can compromise the integrity of the test results. Personal items and equipment could introduce lead or other contaminants that might interfere with the assessment, creating inaccurate findings. Lastly, only touching the gloves themselves would be overly restrictive and impractical in a testing scenario, as it would hinder the necessary interactions with the testing materials.