ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Success!

The microorganism primarily responsible for skin infections in healthcare settings is Staphylococcus epidermidis. This bacterium is part of the normal flora of the skin but can become pathogenic, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those with invasive devices. It is commonly associated with infections related to catheters, prosthetic devices, and other indwelling medical instruments due to its ability to form biofilms, which protect it from the immune response and antibiotics.

Candida albicans is a yeast that typically causes fungal infections, especially in moist areas of the body, but is not the predominant cause of skin infections. Streptococcus pneumoniae is primarily known for causing respiratory infections and is not a common cause of skin infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection, and does not typically relate to skin infections. Thus, the focus on Staphylococcus epidermidis for skin-related infections in healthcare establishes its importance in phlebotomy and infection control practices.