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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of containment in biosafety?
What is the purpose of containment in biosafety?
In biosafety, what are primary barriers?
In biosafety, what are primary barriers?
What do biosafety levels indicate in a laboratory setting?
What do biosafety levels indicate in a laboratory setting?
What is the significance of secondary barriers in biosafety?
What is the significance of secondary barriers in biosafety?
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What does the term 'biocontainment' refer to in biosafety?
What does the term 'biocontainment' refer to in biosafety?
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Why are biosafety levels important in laboratory research?
Why are biosafety levels important in laboratory research?
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What is the primary purpose of a biosafety cabinet in a microbiology lab?
What is the primary purpose of a biosafety cabinet in a microbiology lab?
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Which of the following is NOT considered as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a laboratory setting?
Which of the following is NOT considered as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a laboratory setting?
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Why is it advised to have controlled access to the laboratory in microbiology settings?
Why is it advised to have controlled access to the laboratory in microbiology settings?
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In the context of biosafety, what is the purpose of using leak-proof impervious containers for transporting specimens?
In the context of biosafety, what is the purpose of using leak-proof impervious containers for transporting specimens?
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Why should mechanical pipetting devices be used instead of pipetting by mouth in a laboratory?
Why should mechanical pipetting devices be used instead of pipetting by mouth in a laboratory?
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What is the main reason for recommending vaccination against Hepatitis-B for laboratory personnel?
What is the main reason for recommending vaccination against Hepatitis-B for laboratory personnel?
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Study Notes
Biosafety
- Biosafety is the prevention of large-scale loss of biological integrity, focusing on both ecology and human health.
- It involves safe handling of toxic and dangerous biological and chemical substances.
Biosafety Levels
- Biosafety levels refer to the levels of lab containment protocols, measured as Bio Safety Level (BSL) 1, 2, 3, 4 in rising order of danger.
- BSLs are precautions taken by researchers handling dangerous biological agents in an enclosed facility.
Containment
- Containment refers to safe methods, facilities, and equipment for managing infectious materials in a laboratory environment.
- The purpose of containment is to reduce or eliminate exposure of laboratory workers, others, and the outside environment to potentially hazardous agents.
Barriers
- Barriers prevent invaders from crossing and include:
- Primary barriers: physical barriers or personal protective equipment for lab workers, such as gloves, masks, goggles, aprons, suits, and special breathing apparatuses.
- Secondary barriers: structural aspects of the laboratory that make the working environment safer against infection, such as sinks for handwashing, special containment areas, special air ventilation patterns, and sterilization equipment.
Universal Precautions
- Universal precautions is an approach to infection control that treats all human blood and certain human body fluids as if they were known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- PPE is protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
- PPE is specified by exposure control plan or by standard operating procedure.
Biosafety Cabinet
- A biosafety cabinet (BSC) is an enclosed, ventilated laboratory workspace for safely working with materials contaminated with or potentially contaminated with pathogens requiring a defined biosafety level.
- BSCs first became commercially available in 1950.
Infections of Special Concerns
- Infections of special concern include tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, HIV, enteric infections, and others.
Routes of Infections
- Routes of infection include inoculation, ingestion, and inhalation.
Biosafety in Microbiology Labs
- Biosafety in microbiology labs involves preventing lab-acquired infections.
- Sources of infection include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, prions, recombinant DNA, and various specimens.
Universal Safety Precautions
- Consider all specimens potentially infectious for HIV and other blood-borne infections.
- All specimens should be placed in a leak-proof, impervious container for transport.
- Use gloves when handling all samples, especially when there is contact with body fluids, non-intact skin, or mucous membrane.
- Other universal safety precautions include decontaminating laboratory work surfaces immediately in case of spillage, following a "no needle recapping" strategy, and collecting and disposing of sharps properly.
Standard Microbial Practices
- DOs include controlled access to the laboratory, frequent hand washing, and proper waste management.
- DON'Ts include not eating or drinking in the laboratory, not wearing lab coats outside the laboratory, and not pipetting by mouth.
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Description
Test your knowledge on biosafety, which focuses on preventing biological threats to both the environment and human health. Explore the different levels of lab containment protocols, known as Biosafety Levels (BSL), and the precautions required in handling toxic substances.
