Which practice is essential for preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens?

Ensuring all tools are sterilized is critical for preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens. This practice guarantees that any instruments that come in contact with blood or bodily fluids are free from infectious microorganisms that can cause diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis. Sterilization is a process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, which is essential in a clinical or aesthetic setting where there is a risk of exposure to blood.

Other options presented do not align with best practices for infection control. For instance, wearing decorative gloves does not ensure protection if the gloves do not meet safety standards or are not used properly; they could create a false sense of security. Using unclean tools poses a direct risk of transmitting pathogens and undermines safety protocols. Reusing single-use items is not advised as they are specifically designed for one-time use to prevent contamination and spread of infection. Thus, sterilization of tools stands out as the most effective measure in safeguarding against bloodborne pathogens.