Ask the Rabbi
- Halacha
- Netilat Yadayim - Hand Washing
- General Questions
Question
I am a doctor I was wondering if there is a need for making netilat yadaaim if I am in contact with blood, even is I have gloves? Does it change anything if it comes from a covered part of the body or not?
Answer
Nishmat Avraham (Orach Chayyim 4 19) writes that netilat yadayim is required only if blood was drawn for therapeutic purposes -eg. the patient needed his blood thinned. Taking blood for diagnostic purposes or donating blood to a blood bank does not require netilat yadayim.

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