Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of using puncture-resistant sharps containers?
What is the primary purpose of using puncture-resistant sharps containers?
- To keep used needles out of sight
- To store needles safely for future use
- To reduce the cost of waste disposal
- To eliminate the need for transporting needles and other sharps (correct)
Which of the following is a common method for preventing needlestick injuries?
Which of the following is a common method for preventing needlestick injuries?
- Wearing gloves at all times
- Relying solely on employee training
- Using retractable needles (correct)
- Limiting access to sharps containers
What does OSHA and CLSI emphasize as a critical control measure in laboratories?
What does OSHA and CLSI emphasize as a critical control measure in laboratories?
- Regular handwashing with soap and water
- The use of personal protective equipment only
- Minimizing patient contact as much as possible
- The use of puncture-resistant sharps containers (correct)
Which of the following best describes an occupational exposure?
Which of the following best describes an occupational exposure?
Which bloodborne pathogens are primarily highlighted as major concerns in laboratory settings?
Which bloodborne pathogens are primarily highlighted as major concerns in laboratory settings?
What is included in the complete blood cell count (CBC) analysis?
What is included in the complete blood cell count (CBC) analysis?
Which of the following practices is recommended for avoiding transmission of infectious diseases in a laboratory?
Which of the following practices is recommended for avoiding transmission of infectious diseases in a laboratory?
What type of information accompanies the shipment of hazardous chemicals?
What type of information accompanies the shipment of hazardous chemicals?
What is the primary purpose of disinfection in a laboratory setting?
What is the primary purpose of disinfection in a laboratory setting?
What concentration of sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as household bleach?
What concentration of sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as household bleach?
Which protective gear should be worn if there is a potential for splashing blood in a clinical laboratory?
Which protective gear should be worn if there is a potential for splashing blood in a clinical laboratory?
How should disruptions of exposed skin be managed in a laboratory?
How should disruptions of exposed skin be managed in a laboratory?
What is the primary reason for employers to offer the hepatitis B vaccine to employees?
What is the primary reason for employers to offer the hepatitis B vaccine to employees?
What should be done immediately if a laboratory coat is grossly contaminated with blood?
What should be done immediately if a laboratory coat is grossly contaminated with blood?
What should laboratory personnel do with their coats when leaving the immediate work area?
What should laboratory personnel do with their coats when leaving the immediate work area?
When is handwashing considered essential in a laboratory setting?
When is handwashing considered essential in a laboratory setting?
What should be used as an adjunct to handwashing in the prevention of infections?
What should be used as an adjunct to handwashing in the prevention of infections?
What does the term 'Standard Precautions' refer to?
What does the term 'Standard Precautions' refer to?
When is it acceptable to use an alcohol-based handrub instead of soap and water?
When is it acceptable to use an alcohol-based handrub instead of soap and water?
What concentration of bleach solution should be used to clean and sanitize work surfaces?
What concentration of bleach solution should be used to clean and sanitize work surfaces?
What type of container should disposable aprons be discarded into after use?
What type of container should disposable aprons be discarded into after use?
What is the primary focus of hematology?
What is the primary focus of hematology?
What is the main purpose of OSHA standards?
What is the main purpose of OSHA standards?
Which of the following is NOT a duty of a designated safety officer in a laboratory?
Which of the following is NOT a duty of a designated safety officer in a laboratory?
What did OSHA mandate for clinical laboratories in 1991?
What did OSHA mandate for clinical laboratories in 1991?
What must always be accessible to laboratory employees as part of the chemical hygiene plan?
What must always be accessible to laboratory employees as part of the chemical hygiene plan?
Which hematological procedure is most frequently requested?
Which hematological procedure is most frequently requested?
What is a potential goal of performing assays and examinations in hematology?
What is a potential goal of performing assays and examinations in hematology?
What type of document ensures laboratory workers are aware of chemical hazards?
What type of document ensures laboratory workers are aware of chemical hazards?
Study Notes
Hematology
- Hematology studies blood, focusing on its development, function, and diseases.
- It plays a crucial role in establishing, confirming, and ruling out hematological disorders.
- Common procedures include the Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC), assessing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
OSHA Standards
- OSHA mandates warning labels and protective measures to ensure workers are aware of potential hazards.
- Ensures safe working conditions in clinical laboratories through established safety standards.
- Requires the implementation of a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and Exposure Control Plan.
Safety Officer Role
- A designated safety officer oversees compliance with laboratory regulations and safety protocols.
- Responsibilities include ensuring proper labeling of chemicals and safe disposal of biohazardous materials.
Biohazard Exposure Prevention
- Blood is a significant source of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and HBV in occupational settings.
- Occupational exposure includes percutaneous injuries, mucous membrane contact, and prolonged exposure to body fluids.
Sharps Disposal
- OSHA and CLSI require puncture-resistant sharps containers to eliminate risks associated with needle and sharp object transport.
- These containers should be readily available in patient areas and laboratories.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
- Employers are mandated to offer Hepatitis B vaccination to employees with potential blood exposure.
- Vaccination is a vital preventative measure against bloodborne pathogen exposure.
Standard Precautions
- Treat all human blood and body fluids as potentially infectious to prevent occupational exposure to pathogens.
- Frequent handwashing is crucial after contact with patients or lab specimens.
Handwashing Protocol
- Perform handwashing after patient and specimen contact.
- Wash hands with soap and water if visibly soiled or use alcohol-based handrub if not.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Change contaminated lab coats immediately to avoid skin exposure.
- Use disposable aprons when splashing of blood or fluids is a risk, disposing of them in biohazard containers.
Surface Decontamination
- Clean and sanitize work surfaces at the beginning and end of shifts with a 1:10 bleach dilution or EPA-registered disinfectant.
- Disinfection targets the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms from surfaces.
Managing Spills
- Use facial barrier protection to prevent exposure when blood or fluids may splash.
- Masks should be worn if there's potential mucous membrane contact with blood or fluids.
Safety Practices in Waste Management
- Follow proper protocols for handling and disposing of laboratory waste to maintain safety and compliance.
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