Molecular Laboratory Biosafety and Waste Management

Lesson Intended Learning Outcomes (LILO)

• Adhere to personal health and safety practices in the laboratory.
• Maintain a workspace that is organized and clean.
• Properly disinfect and dispose of infectious materials.
• Follow protocols following accidental exposure to potentially infectious specimens.
• Comply with written safety procedures and maintain safety records.

Laboratory Quality System

• Includes organization, personnel management, equipment, stock management, quality control, data management, SOPs, and occurrence assessment.
• Emphasizes process improvement and the management of safety and waste in the laboratory.

Importance of Safety

• Contact with human blood or hazardous chemicals can pose severe risks.
• Safety measures protect against infection, injury, and poisoning.

Hand Hygiene

• Required to wash hands after handling hazardous materials and before leaving the laboratory.
• Handwashing process includes lathering for 20 seconds, rinsing for 10 seconds, and total duration of 40-60 seconds.

Decontamination Processes

• Decontamination: Removal or neutralization of biological agents to eliminate hazards.
• Sterilization: Complete removal or destruction of all forms of life including spores.
• Disinfection: Use of chemical agents to inhibit or kill microorganisms on inanimate objects.
• Antisepsis: Application of chemicals to the skin to prevent infection.

Standard Precautions

• Treat all specimens as potentially infectious.
• Avoid touching the face with gloved or unwashed hands.
• Keep work areas clean and organized and avoid unnecessary items.

Decontamination/Disinfection Agents

• Effective against enveloped RNA viruses include 70% ethyl alcohol and sodium hypochlorite at specific concentrations.
• Ensure contact time for bleach is 10-15 minutes for effective decontamination.

Chemical Agents and Efficacy

• Efficacy influenced by factors like organic and microbial load, type of organism, and disinfectant characteristics.

Sodium Hypochlorite

• Common concentrations range from 5-8.25% with important preparation ratios for use.
• Contact time critical for effective decontamination; avoid exposure to air and direct sunlight.

Alcohol

• Preferred concentration: 60-90%, enhances contact time for effectiveness.
• Should be allowed to evaporate; ineffective alone for molecular testing.

Ultraviolet Light

• Effective in damaging DNA; maximum lethality at 260nm wavelength.
• Only effective on surfaces directly exposed to UV light.

Lysol Disinfection

• Active ingredients like Benzalkonium Chloride and Hydrogen Peroxide effectively target microorganisms.

Prion Inactivation

• Requires immersion in alkaline solutions followed by autoclaving for effective deactivation.

Autoclaving

• Utilizes steam under pressure to sterilize; Biological indicators confirm effectiveness (e.g., Geobacillus stearothermophilus).

Biosafety Cabinet

• Must be calibrated and certified for use; provides protection through HEPA filters.
• Ensures containment and protection of both personnel and environment.

Biosafety Management

• Development of plans and training programs essential for laboratory personnel safety.

Health and Medical Surveillance

• Immunization, early detection for infections, and exclusion of susceptible individuals are vital.

Safe Work Practices

• Fundamental practices include handwashing, proper PPE use, and immediate disposal of hazardous waste.

Biological Waste Disposal

• Hazardous exposures can include blood, swabs, tissues, and other body fluids.
• Proper inactivation methods are necessary for safe disposal.

Chemical Hazards Management

• Requires label verification, use of PPE, and safe handling techniques including proper disposal of spills.

Carcinogen Awareness

• Includes various laboratory agents like Acetic Acid and Ethidium Bromide; caution is needed due to potential health impacts.

Spill and Accident Protocols

• Immediate evacuation of area, proper cleaning methods, and reporting protocols.

Definitions in Biosafety

• Distinguishes between disinfectants, antiseptics, microbicides, and other relevant terms for effective laboratory practices.

Action Plan for Safety

• Identify hazards, establish safety policies, conduct training, and perform regular audits for safety management.