According to CDC guidelines, what should healthcare workers do to protect against HIV infection?

Wearing gloves when handling blood or body fluids is a crucial practice to protect healthcare workers from potential exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens. Gloves serve as a barrier between the healthcare provider's skin and contaminated substances, significantly reducing the risk of transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, in any situation where there is a potential for contact with blood or bodily fluids. This practice is a fundamental aspect of Standard Precautions, which are designed to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

The other options provided do not align with recommended practices for preventing the transmission of HIV. Isolating HIV positive clients strictly may not be necessary and could contribute to stigma. Mandatory HIV testing for all staff is not required and could raise legal and ethical concerns. Freezing blood specimens at -70 F is not a standard procedure for handling HIV in clinical practice, as it does not directly address the safety measures for healthcare workers during their routine work.