Sterilization Methods in Medical Laboratories

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Questions and Answers

What is the efficiency percentage of a ULPA filter at 0.12 microns?

99.999%

99.9999% (correct)

99.97%

99.995%

How do Biosafety cabinets provide protection for personnel inside them?

By filtration of exhausted air

By ensuring a laminar flow of filtered air within the cabinet (correct)

By creating a curtain of air at the opening

By creating a magnetic field

What material are HEPA filters made from?

Pleated borosilicate glass (correct)

Plastic

Aluminum

Random fibers

Which program should laboratories have to control arthropods and rodents?

Arthropod and rodent control program Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel be advised to follow in laboratories according to biosafety guidelines?

Adhere to standard practices and procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Health and Medical Surveillance in laboratories?

To facilitate early detection of infections Signup and view all the answers

What should laboratories ensure regarding medical records of personnel?

Maintain adequate medical records Signup and view all the answers

What does biosafety management involve according to the text?

Ensuring a biosafety management plan is in place Signup and view all the answers

What is the efficiency percentage of SULPA filters at 0.12 microns?

99.9999% Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to be taken in case of a spill in the laboratory according to the text?

Evacuate the room and notify others to leave Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with contaminated clothing or lab coats in the laboratory?

Place them in a biohazard bag Signup and view all the answers

Which action should be prioritized when implementing safety practices in the laboratory?

Establishing safety policies and procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for handling a large spill in the laboratory?

Cover with paper towels and soak with household bleach Signup and view all the answers

Why is safety important in a laboratory setting?

To protect against infection, injury, or poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a clean and organized workspace in a molecular laboratory?

To reduce the occurrence of accidents and injuries Signup and view all the answers

When should personnel wash their hands according to biosafety guidelines?

After working with hazardous materials and before leaving the laboratory Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do following accidental exposure to potentially infectious specimens in a molecular laboratory?

Seek appropriate medical attention and report the exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wearing gloves in a laboratory setting?

To protect against exposure to hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

Why is pipetting by mouth strictly forbidden in laboratory settings?

To avoid accidentally swallowing hazardous chemicals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a correct safety practice when handling chemicals in the laboratory?

Replacing packaging with leakage or corrosion immediately Signup and view all the answers

Why should ethidium bromide be handled with caution in gel electrophoresis experiments?

It is a carcinogenic compound Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action to take if a lab coat becomes contaminated with hazardous materials during testing?

Dispose of the lab coat immediately in a designated waste bin Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to wash hands before and after entering the laboratory?

To minimize the spread of contaminants and pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Molecular Biology and Diagnostics Biosafety and Waste Management

Importance of safety in laboratory settings: protecting oneself and coworkers from infection, injury, or poisoning.

Hand Hygiene

Wash hands after working with potentially hazardous materials and before leaving the laboratory.

Bleach Solutions

10% bleach solution for general lab use and spills, and 1% bleach solution for general disinfection.
Bleach solutions can be stored up to 6 months if protected from air, direct sunlight, and varying temperatures.

Alcohol as a Disinfectant

Best preparation: 60-90% alcohol concentration, allowing for effective contact time with microorganisms.
Effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but not spores.
Surfaces must be clean of gross contamination for alcohol to be effective.

Autoclave Sterilization

Principle: steam under pressure, killing all organisms (except Prions) and spores within 15 minutes.
Biological Indicator: Geobacillus stearothermophilus.
Settings: 121°C, 15 psi, for 15 minutes; or 132°C, 15 psi, for 30-60 minutes for decontaminating medical wastes.

Autoclave Quality Control

Biological Indicator: no color change indicates complete sterilization; yellow color indicates growth.
Autoclave Tape: turns black if sterilization is complete.

Biosafety Cabinet

Calibrated and certified before use.
Proper usage, placement, and decontamination required.
Essential for processing infectious specimens.
Provides protection through particulate-free airflow, reducing contamination risk.

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Description

Learn about the importance of keeping surfaces clean to avoid contamination in medical laboratories. Explore the principle of autoclave sterilization using steam under pressure, which can kill organisms and spores within 15 minutes. Discover the properties of Geobacillus stearothermophilus as a biological indicator.