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Questions and Answers
Which of the following viruses is an example of a hazard group 4 microbe?
Which of the following viruses is an example of a hazard group 4 microbe?
What is a primary control measure in a category 4 laboratory?
What is a primary control measure in a category 4 laboratory?
What is the function of a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in microbiological safety cabinets?
What is the function of a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in microbiological safety cabinets?
Which type of microbiological safety cabinet has a downflow HEPA filter?
Which type of microbiological safety cabinet has a downflow HEPA filter?
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What is a requirement for microbiological safety cabinets used at containment level 2 and 3 during aerosol exposure activities?
What is a requirement for microbiological safety cabinets used at containment level 2 and 3 during aerosol exposure activities?
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What should be avoided regarding worker positioning in a microbiological safety cabinet setting?
What should be avoided regarding worker positioning in a microbiological safety cabinet setting?
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Which of the following is NOT classified as a micro-organism?
Which of the following is NOT classified as a micro-organism?
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Which of the following statements about moving microbes between laboratories is true?
Which of the following statements about moving microbes between laboratories is true?
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What characteristic distinguishes a class III microbiological safety cabinet?
What characteristic distinguishes a class III microbiological safety cabinet?
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What is the primary purpose of using aseptic techniques when handling micro-organisms?
What is the primary purpose of using aseptic techniques when handling micro-organisms?
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Which of the following practices should be avoided to adhere to good microbiological practice?
Which of the following practices should be avoided to adhere to good microbiological practice?
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Which equipment is necessary for work at containment level 2 and 3 when there is a risk of aerosol exposure?
Which equipment is necessary for work at containment level 2 and 3 when there is a risk of aerosol exposure?
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What needs to be ensured for the effective use of microbiological safety cabinets?
What needs to be ensured for the effective use of microbiological safety cabinets?
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What does the Howie report focus on?
What does the Howie report focus on?
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What should be done immediately after using a sterilization loop?
What should be done immediately after using a sterilization loop?
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Which organization is NOT involved in the control of the handling of micro-organisms?
Which organization is NOT involved in the control of the handling of micro-organisms?
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What type of shoe is considered safe in the laboratory environment?
What type of shoe is considered safe in the laboratory environment?
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What does COSHH stand for?
What does COSHH stand for?
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What is one of the primary reasons for implementing safe working practices in a laboratory?
What is one of the primary reasons for implementing safe working practices in a laboratory?
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Which of the following practices helps to prevent the inhalation of airborne hazards in а laboratory?
Which of the following practices helps to prevent the inhalation of airborne hazards in а laboratory?
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What is a known route of transmission of microbes through skin contact?
What is a known route of transmission of microbes through skin contact?
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Which governing bodies are primarily responsible for laboratory safety and regulations?
Which governing bodies are primarily responsible for laboratory safety and regulations?
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What is the primary responsibility of an employer in terms of safety for employees working with microbial pathogens?
What is the primary responsibility of an employer in terms of safety for employees working with microbial pathogens?
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What type of injury can occur due to the ingestion route of transmission?
What type of injury can occur due to the ingestion route of transmission?
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Which statement about good microbiological practice is true?
Which statement about good microbiological practice is true?
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Which hazard group contains microorganisms with the highest risk to human health?
Which hazard group contains microorganisms with the highest risk to human health?
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What is meant by 'containment' in a laboratory setting?
What is meant by 'containment' in a laboratory setting?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of Hazard Group 1 pathogens?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Hazard Group 1 pathogens?
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What type of injury does the route of transmission through conjunctiva typically refer to?
What type of injury does the route of transmission through conjunctiva typically refer to?
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What type of microorganism is Saccharomyces cerevisiae classified as?
What type of microorganism is Saccharomyces cerevisiae classified as?
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Which of the following pathogens is classified as a Hazard Group 3 microbe?
Which of the following pathogens is classified as a Hazard Group 3 microbe?
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Which safety measure is essential for handling microbes in a laboratory setting?
Which safety measure is essential for handling microbes in a laboratory setting?
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Which of the following is an example of a parasite in Hazard Group 2?
Which of the following is an example of a parasite in Hazard Group 2?
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Which of the following viruses is included in Hazard Group 2?
Which of the following viruses is included in Hazard Group 2?
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Which hazard group requires police escort during transport?
Which hazard group requires police escort during transport?
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What should the primary container for transporting microbes be made of?
What should the primary container for transporting microbes be made of?
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Which agency is NOT primarily involved in regulating genetic manipulation organisms (GMO)?
Which agency is NOT primarily involved in regulating genetic manipulation organisms (GMO)?
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What is a requirement for keeping GM risk assessments?
What is a requirement for keeping GM risk assessments?
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What is the primary rationale behind regulating the transport of hazardous microbes?
What is the primary rationale behind regulating the transport of hazardous microbes?
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What is the main focus of health surveillance of employees in microbiology laboratories?
What is the main focus of health surveillance of employees in microbiology laboratories?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Hazard Group 4 microbes?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Hazard Group 4 microbes?
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What primary purpose does the GM committee serve within laboratory settings?
What primary purpose does the GM committee serve within laboratory settings?
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Study Notes
Safe Working Practices
- Safe working practices are crucial in all laboratories, especially in microbiology where risks may be unknown.
- Safe working practices are highly regulated by numerous government bodies, including HSE, ACDP, NaCTSO, and DEFRA.
Hazard Grouping
- Microorganisms are categorized into hazard groups (HGs) based on the potential risk they pose.
- HG1 poses the lowest risk, while HG4 poses the highest.
- Microorganisms within the same HG are handled at the same containment level in the laboratory.
Containment Levels
- Containment levels (Laboratory Containment Levels, LCLs) are measures taken to prevent the spread of microbes.
- Containment levels increase as the potential risk of the microorganism increases.
- Laboratories handling HG1 microorganisms typically use level 1 containment. Higher-risk microorganisms (higher HGs) need higher levels of containment.
Aseptic Techniques
- Aseptic techniques are essential when handling microorganisms to avoid contamination of the environment, personnel, or the specimens being handled.
- Aseptic procedures include avoiding eating, drinking, smoking, or makeup application in the lab.
- Lab equipment, such as loops, should be sterilized after use.
- All specimens and materials must be clearly labelled.
Route of Microbe Transmission
- Ingestion (eating, drinking, smoking in laboratory).
- Skin (percutaneous) - needle punctures, animal bites, existing cuts.
- Conjunctiva (splashes in eyes, contamination).
- Inhalation (inhaling airborne hazards like aerosols).
Good Microbiological Practices (GMP)
- GMP involves appropriate handling techniques, cleanliness, and containment practices when working with microorganisms.
- Maintaining a tidy laboratory, properly cleaning up spills, promptly sterilizing tools, labelling specimens, and adhering to containment are all essential GMP components.
Current Legislation
- Current legislation and regulations ensure the safe control of microorganisms.
- Legislation on the handling of microorganisms is overseen by a number of governing bodies.
- Government bodies like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) create and enforce relevant regulations.
- Safety reports and codes of practice generated by these agencies provide guidelines and preventative measures for safety in clinical laboratories and post-mortem rooms.
GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)
- Microbes' genetic makeup can change naturally (like antibiotic resistance) or intentionally in a lab setting.
- This can require the hazard group to be adjusted (increased) based on the new potential risks.
- GMOs are regulated by various agencies including the Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification, HSE, ACDP, DEFRA, and SSREAD.
- GMOs are subject to additional surveillance and monitoring for potential adverse effects on health.
- It's critical to utilize the least hazardous microbe feasible for genetic manipulation.
Risk Assessment
- Microorganisms are categorized into hazard groups based on their potential risks to humans.
- Microbiological safety cabinets (MSCs), suitable for containment levels 2 and 3 work, are needed when working with organisms that pose an aerosol risk.
- These cabinets are vital for controlling aerosolization, which is a risk of direct exposure.
- The proper type, installation, use, and maintenance of MSCs are crucial.
- Risk assessments should include considerations for human health, animal health, and the environment.
- Risk assessments must be kept updated yearly and for the duration of the project.
- Risk assessments should remain on file for 10 years after the project is completed.
Movement of Microorganisms
- The movement of pathogens between laboratories has historically caused problems.
- Tightening regulations, like strict transit requirements for pathogens in risk levels 3 and 4, have been implemented for moving infectious substances.
- Handling and transport of high-risk biological specimens require strict governmental approval.
Category 4 Laboratories
- Category 4 laboratories utilize secondary containment measures to further minimize the risk of exposure.
- Bio-hazard suits, equipment separation, and stringent procedures are used to prevent accidental release and exposure to dangerous pathogens.
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Description
Test your knowledge on safe working practices in microbiology laboratories. This quiz covers hazard grouping, containment levels, and the importance of aseptic techniques in preventing microbial contamination. Ensure you understand the regulations and guidelines for lab safety.