Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why must laboratory coats be removed before leaving the laboratory?
Why must laboratory coats be removed before leaving the laboratory?
- They can protect against chemical exposure.
- They are required to be worn outside the laboratory.
- They may come into contact with infectious material. (correct)
- They are at risk of being damaged in non-laboratory settings.
What is the appropriate method for disposing of contaminated sharp objects?
What is the appropriate method for disposing of contaminated sharp objects?
- Burn them in an incinerator.
- Collect in puncture-proof containers fitted with covers. (correct)
- Wrap them in laboratory coats before disposal.
- Place them in general waste bins.
What must be done to contaminated materials intended for reuse or recycling?
What must be done to contaminated materials intended for reuse or recycling?
- They must first be decontaminated and then washed. (correct)
- They must be disposed of in general municipal waste.
- They can be sent directly for recycling.
- They can be stored without any additional treatment.
What is the recommended treatment for uncontaminated (non-infectious) material?
What is the recommended treatment for uncontaminated (non-infectious) material?
What should be done with glass objects before disposal?
What should be done with glass objects before disposal?
What is required for contaminated material for disposal?
What is required for contaminated material for disposal?
What type of container is suitable for collecting contaminated sharps?
What type of container is suitable for collecting contaminated sharps?
What should not be done with personal protective equipment (PPE) after use in the laboratory?
What should not be done with personal protective equipment (PPE) after use in the laboratory?
In what state must contaminated materials be before they can be treated as uncontaminated?
In what state must contaminated materials be before they can be treated as uncontaminated?
What is the primary purpose of a biorisk assessment?
What is the primary purpose of a biorisk assessment?
Which step in the risk assessment process involves identifying potential hazards associated with infectious agents?
Which step in the risk assessment process involves identifying potential hazards associated with infectious agents?
What decontaminating agent is specified for inactivating hepatitis B virus and HIV?
What decontaminating agent is specified for inactivating hepatitis B virus and HIV?
Which of the following statements about risk control strategies is true?
Which of the following statements about risk control strategies is true?
What should be done to strong acids or bases before disposal?
What should be done to strong acids or bases before disposal?
Which of the following is a common measure for surface decontamination?
Which of the following is a common measure for surface decontamination?
What is the appropriate amount of time for bleach to be in contact with a surface for effective decontamination?
What is the appropriate amount of time for bleach to be in contact with a surface for effective decontamination?
During which step of the risk assessment is information about regulatory compliance reviewed?
During which step of the risk assessment is information about regulatory compliance reviewed?
Which method should NOT be used for surface decontamination?
Which method should NOT be used for surface decontamination?
What potential outcome does a biorisk assessment aim to mitigate?
What potential outcome does a biorisk assessment aim to mitigate?
Flashcards
Biorisk Assessment
Biorisk Assessment
A process that assesses potential risks associated with working with infectious agents in a laboratory setting.
Laboratory-Acquired Infection (LAI)
Laboratory-Acquired Infection (LAI)
A laboratory-acquired infection occurs when a worker in a laboratory becomes infected due to exposure to microorganisms during work.
Purpose of Biorisk Assessment
Purpose of Biorisk Assessment
Biorisk assessments aim to identify and minimize hazards to laboratory personnel by evaluating the risk of exposure to infectious agents and potential outcomes.
Hazard Information
Hazard Information
Information gathered on the potential hazards associated with infectious agents or materials used in the laboratory.
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Risk Evaluation
Risk Evaluation
Evaluating the likelihood of exposure to infectious agents based on the activities and procedures performed in the laboratory environment.
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Risk Control Strategy
Risk Control Strategy
Strategies and plans developed to minimize the identified risks and control the spread of infectious agents in the laboratory.
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Implementation of Control Measures
Implementation of Control Measures
Selection and implementation of risk control measures that comply with national and institutional regulations related to biosafety.
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Continuous Assessment
Continuous Assessment
Regular review and evaluation of the effectiveness of risk control measures to ensure their continued effectiveness and adapt to changes.
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Heat Decontamination
Heat Decontamination
A high-temperature method used to decontaminate surfaces by exposing them to heat at 250° C for 15 minutes.
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Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene Oxide
A gaseous chemical sterilant widely used to sterilize medical devices and other materials.
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Glutaraldehyde
Glutaraldehyde
A chemical used to disinfect and sterilize medical equipment and surfaces.
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Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide
A strong oxidizing agent commonly used for disinfecting surfaces and killing microorganisms.
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Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
A common household bleach solution used as a disinfectant. It's effective against various microorganisms.
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Base
Base
A chemical that reacts with acids to form salts and water, neutralizing their acidity.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protective gear worn to prevent contact with infectious material and protect the wearer from exposure.
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Contaminated Waste
Contaminated Waste
Any waste material that has come into contact with infectious agents and poses a risk of infection.
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Uncontaminated (Non-infectious) Waste
Uncontaminated (Non-infectious) Waste
Waste materials not contaminated with infectious agents and can be disposed of as regular trash.
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Contaminated Sharps
Contaminated Sharps
Sharp instruments used in laboratories that have come into contact with infectious materials.
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Contaminated Material for Reuse
Contaminated Material for Reuse
Waste materials that are contaminated with infectious agents but can be decontaminated before being safely reused.
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Contaminated Material for Disposal
Contaminated Material for Disposal
Waste materials contaminated with infectious agents that must be either decontaminated on-site or stored safely for later decontamination and disposal.
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Biorisk Assessment Overview
- Biorisk assessment reviews laboratory practices, control measures, biosafety standards, and the properties of infectious agents.
- Aims to prevent laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) and exposure to high-risk pathogens.
- Evaluates potential risks to laboratory personnel and possible outcomes of exposure.
- Provides strategies to mitigate identified risks, conducted by institutions periodically using standardized checklists.
Steps in Performing Risk Assessment
- Gather information on hazards associated with infectious agents or materials.
- Evaluate risks related to activities that may cause exposure to these agents.
- Develop a risk control strategy that considers staff competencies and resource availability.
- Select and implement measures that align with national and institutional regulations.
- Review and continuously assess risks and control measures to ensure effectiveness.
Common Agents for Surface Decontamination
- Effective decontamination agents include heat (250° C for 15 minutes), ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde (2%), 10% hydrogen peroxide, and 5.25% hypochlorite (10% bleach).
- Household bleach can inactivate hepatitis B virus in 10 minutes and HIV in 2 minutes.
- Bleach should remain in contact with surfaces for at least 20 minutes for effective decontamination.
Disposal of Contaminated Waste
- Strong acids or bases must be neutralized prior to disposal; do not add water to concentrated acids.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) that may contact infectious material must be removed before exiting the laboratory and should not leave the facility.
- Contaminated PPE must be properly disposed of, ensuring it does not leave the laboratory.
Treatment of Laboratory Waste
- Uncontaminated (Non-infectious) Material: Can be reused, recycled, or disposed of as general waste.
- Contaminated Sharps (e.g., needles, scalpels): Must be collected in puncture-proof containers and treated as infectious waste.
- Contaminated Material for Reuse: Should be decontaminated before washing and treating as non-infectious.
- Contaminated Material for Disposal: Requires decontamination on-site or safe storage before transportation for further decontamination and disposal.
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