Clinical Lab PPE Guidelines

Risk assessments should consider intended procedures, the organisms being handled, and changes in procedures, equipment, or staff.

Lab management's involvement is essential for ensuring that adequate resources are allocated and that staff follow established safety protocols.

The primary goals are to identify hazards linked to handling pathogens and implement controls to minimize exposure risks to workers and the environment.

<p>Respiratory protection such as N95 masks or face masks may be required when working with potentially infectious aerosols.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aerosols are particles smaller than 5 µm that remain suspended in the air, while droplets range from 5 to 10 µm and settle onto surfaces due to gravity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Procedures such as pipetting, using a vortex, and centrifuging can generate aerosols or droplets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pathogenic organisms are classified into Risk Groups 1 through 4, with Risk Group 4 being the highest risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Most clinical laboratories operate at a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Risk Group 3 pathogens usually cause serious disease but do not typically spread between individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Biosafety levels are designated based on the design features and the containment required for working with specific risk groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pathogenicity and mode of transmission of the organism are key factors for classification.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Do not spray disinfectant or other cleaning products inside the battery unit or HEPA filter housing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The use of engineering controls and additional PPE can minimize aerosol exposure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Risk Group 4 pathogens are typically handled only in specialized high containment laboratories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The laboratory should have specific policies for what PPE can be reused and how to properly disinfect, clean, and store it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ABSA International database provides searchable information on pathogenic organisms for risk assessments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It should be disposed of in an appropriate biohazardous waste container according to lab-specific policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>BSL-3 laboratories are commonly used for handling cultures of high-risk pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Wash hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce exposure to contaminants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Risk Group 2 pathogens can cause disease in humans or animals but pose limited risk to laboratory workers and the community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>BSL stands for Biological Safety Level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is classified as UN3291, or 'Regulated Medical Waste'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gloves are typically not reused and should be discarded after use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The focus is to evaluate exposure risks based on the risk group of the organisms handled.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>PPE serves as the last line of defense against potential exposures and hazards in a BSL-2 lab.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Risk Group 4 pathogens pose the highest risk for individual and community transmission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reusable PPE should be routinely disinfected, cleaned, and laundered appropriately.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Common specimens include stool cultures for enteric pathogens and urine cultures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Enhanced PPE may include solid front gowns, double gloves, and respiratory protection like N95 masks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>'Donning' refers to the process of putting on personal protective equipment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Personal items should be removed and secured in a location outside the laboratory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The doffing order is crucial to avoid contamination, as all PPE is considered clean before work begins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contaminated PPE should be removed and discarded as soon as safely possible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A biological safety cabinet is a common engineering control used alongside PPE.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>BSL-3 practices may be implemented when working with pathogens that are typically handled at BSL-3 but in a BSL-2 setting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Respiratory protection such as a PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator) may be used.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Performing blood chemistry testing is a common practice requiring gloves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tying back long hair prevents it from interfering with PPE and minimizes contamination risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cleaning hands reduces the risk of transferring contaminants onto the gloves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Enhanced precautions require additional PPE like double gloves and solid front gowns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To minimize the risk of contamination during the doffing process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pinch the wrist area of one glove with the other hand and roll it inside out while pulling it off, then use the bundled glove to pinch the wrist of the second glove to remove it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reusable gloves may retain contaminants and pose a risk of infection or exposure to hazardous materials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The front piece should rest just above the eyebrows and adequately cover the face from forehead to below the chin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hand hygiene removes any potential contaminants left on the hands after the PPE removal process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Remove them by the headband or side straps without touching the front of the goggles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They should be safely doffed and discarded immediately, followed by putting on a new pair of gloves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Unsnap or unbutton the lab coat, then remove it by pulling off each sleeve carefully while minimizing contact with the outer surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It should be laundered properly or disposed of if visibly contaminated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The inner pair should be tucked under the lab coat or gown cuff, while the outer pair goes over, and the outer pair is removed first when doffing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tilt your head slightly forward and pull the shield upward from the side strap without touching the front surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To ensure there are no rips, punctures, or deterioration that could compromise protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shoe covers prevent contamination from shoes and protect the laboratory environment from outside contaminants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It should be disposed of immediately in the designated waste containers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gowns should be loosely tied to allow for a 'break away' doffing method.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Disposable shoe covers should be pulled off one at a time, starting from the least contaminated area at the back.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Do not touch the mask's exterior/front facing portion when doffing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cup or place the exterior of the respirator in your palm and gently place the inner side over your mouth and nose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Place both hands over the mask and exhale sharply to check for air leaks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Keep the PAPR on/operating while doffing to continue respiratory protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>If disposable, roll the outer, more contaminated area inward and discard it into the waste container.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Safety glasses should be clean before use to prevent contamination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Clean and disinfect the safety glasses or place them in a designated area for later disinfection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Remove the lower strap first, followed by the upper strap, while avoiding contact with the exterior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gloves should be worn to protect hands from potential contaminants and cleaning products.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thumb holes help keep the gown sleeve over the wrist area for additional protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hang in a designated area if there is little to no potential contamination, according to lab policy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adjust the mask around your nose, ensuring it fits snugly over your mouth and nose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To prevent accidental exposure and ensure safe handling</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Masks/Respirators</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In designated containers according to protocols</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Regularly check equipment for proper function and damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fume hoods or other ventilation systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nitrile gloves</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To provide protection when handling infectious materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Report it immediately and take it out of operation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To evaluate the performance of laboratory assays and control data</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rule 1-2s</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It helps detect variations in performance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The range of two consecutive control measurements exceeding 4 standard deviations</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It enhances trust in laboratory data among clinicians and patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers