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INTRODUCTION TO THE
PHYSICIANS OFFICE
LABORATORY

Chapter 1

Safety in the Laboratory

Chapter 2

The Microscope

Chapter 3

Math in the POL

Chapter 4

Statistics in the POL

Chapter 5

Quality Assurance and

Quality Control

Chapter 6

Record Keeping in
the Lab

unit

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chapter

Safety in the
Laboratory

COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES

1.7

After studying this chapter, you should be able to

1.8

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

1.5
1.6

use each of the vocabulary terms

appropriately.
identify the agencies primarily responsible
for regulating lab safety.
list three major types of laboratory hazards
and give examples of each.
identify four types of control methods
used to promote lab personnel safety and
describe one example of each.
discuss the role of HBV vaccination in
promoting lab personnel safety.
describe how lab personnel are evaluated
and the follow-up after exposure to a
biohazard in the lab.

1.9

1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14

explain how biohazardous materials can be

safely disposed of in laboratories.
discuss the role of good housekeeping
practices in maintaining a safe work
environment in the lab.
describe the areas in which lab personnel
should be educated in order to be safe on
the job.
identify four safety tips for using lab
chemicals.
describe how reagents should be labeled
and stored.
explain why acids and bases pose special
risks for lab personnel.
describe how to prevent injury from electrical, fire, weather, and personal hazards.
explain why a professional attitude is
important for safety in the lab.

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1.15
1.16

list seven reasons for lab accidents that are

related to personnel characteristics.
discuss steps that can be taken to alleviate
stress on the job.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you should be able to
1.17
1.18
1.19
1.20
1.21

1.22

1.23

plan a lab safety orientation program for

new employees.
devise a waste-disposal plan for a
physicians office laboratory.
develop an accident-proofing program for
the lab.
plan fire and severe weather drills for lab
personnel.
design posters that remind lab personnel
to follow important safety guidelines and
procedures.
evaluate a lab on campus for safety and
prepare a report listing ways in which
safety can be enhanced.
locate Internet sources for OSHA and CDC
updates and recommendations.

TERMINOLOGY
acid: a chemical that donates hydrogen ions (H+),
lowers the pH of solutions, and reacts with bases to
form water and chemical salts.
aerosolization: the conversion of a liquid, such
as blood or blood products, or a solid, such as a
powdered chemical, into a fine mist that travels
through the air.
autoclave: a device utilizing steam under pressure to
sterilize medical instruments and laboratory specimens.
base: a chemical that yields hydroxide ions (OH) when
dissolved in water (e.g., sodium hydroxide). Bases
raise the pH of a solution and react with acids to form
chemical salts and water.
biohazard: a biological specimen containing blood or
other body fluid that has the potential for transmitting
disease.
biological specimen: a specimen that originates from
a living organism. Examples are blood, blood products,
other body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid or
urine, biopsy samples, bacterial smears, and bacterial
cultures.
bloodborne pathogens: microorganisms that cause
disease and can be transmitted through blood or other
body fluids. HIV is an example.

caustic: burning or corrosive; usually destructive to

living tissue.
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
chain of transmission: the unbroken line of
transmission of a disease from one host with the disease
to a new host.
chemical hazard: a source of danger from exposure
to chemicals.
contamination: the pollution of an area or substance
with unwanted extraneous material such as pathogens or
hazardous chemicals.
disinfection: any practical procedure for reducing the
pathogen contamination in the inanimate environment,
as in the air, on work counters, or on equipment.
engineering control: a device that keeps biohazards
away from laboratory personnel.
exposure incident: a situation in which laboratory
personnel are exposed to a potentially hazardous
substance, such as blood or a toxic chemical.
hazardous chemical list: a list maintained by OSHA
that identifies toxic chemicals used in laboratories.
It may be consulted to determine the toxicity of a
chemical.
HBV (hepatitis B virus): the virus that causes
hepatitis B, a type of severe hepatitis transmitted
by sexual contact, by needle sharing, or through
contaminated blood, blood products, or other body fluids.
HCV (hepatitis C virus): previously known as Non-A
Non-B hepatitis virus; the virus that causes hepatitis C,
a serious type of hepatitis transmitted by contaminated
blood and blood products, needles, and sexual contact.
There is presently no vaccine for HCV.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus): the virus that
causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
ICP (infection control program): a program that
provides the maximum protection for health care workers
against occupational sources of disease.
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): included with all
chemical shipments describing precautions and disposal
information.
NFPA Diamond: a symbol, issued by the National Fire
Protection Association, in the shape of a diamond with
four colored quadrants that can be used in laboratories
to label hazardous materials to show the type and level
of hazard.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health
Administration): a federal agency within the U.S.
Department of Labor. OSHA works to assure the safety
and health of workers.
pathogen: disease-causing microorganism.
physical hazard: a source of danger in the environment,
such as shock, housekeeping accidents, and falls.
POL: physicians office laboratory.
3

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

post-exposure evaluation: a set of procedures required

by OSHA as a follow-up to exposure incidents.
post-exposure prophylaxis: preventive treatment for
exposure to possible pathogenic microorganisms, HIV,
HBV, and HCV, for example.
PPE (personal protective equipment): clothing
and other equipment that shield health care
workers from outside contaminants. PPE includes
gloves, uniforms, fluid-proof aprons, masks, and
eye-shields.
specimen: a small amount of body tissue (e.g.,
urine, blood, or tumor biopsy) taken for purposes of
examination. The sample is assumed to represent the
whole and to provide meaningful results for the total
individual.

Standard Precautions: guidelines that use the CDC

Universal Precautions and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen
Standards to direct health care workers in protection
against pathogens transmitted by infectious patients.
STD: sexually transmitted disease.
toxic: poisonous.
Universal Precautions: a set of recommendations
formulated by the CDC to protect workers against HIV
and other pathogens. The precautions impose isolation
of all specimens of blood, blood products, and other
body fluids capable of transmitting pathogens.
vector: a carrier, such as an insect, of a pathogen.
work-practice control: a method that incorporates
safety into laboratory procedures.

INTRODUCTION

which is within the U.S. Department of Labor (www.

dol.gov). These two agencies formulated important
regulations and guidelines for laboratory safety. The
CDC developed a set of principles called Universal
Precautions that heighten awareness of the potential risk that medical laboratory specimens pose to
the personnel who handle them. This led OSHA to
develop a set of guidelines known as Bloodborne
Pathogens Standards for the protection of health care
workers at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. CDC extended these standards and issued the
Guide to Standard Precautions for Infection Control
to control hospital infections, to protect health care
personnel, and also to protect the patients.

Safety in the POL, physicians office laboratory, is

an essential part of all laboratory work. No laboratory procedure is complete unless it includes
controls against infection, chemical toxicity, and
physical hazards.

WORKING TOWARD A SAFE

LABORATORY
Laboratory safety requires knowledge of laboratory procedures, equipment, and reagents, as well
as constant watchfulness for danger. One careless
worker can undo all the safety practices followed
by coworkers in the lab.

Regulating Lab Safety

A major concern for personnel in the medical laboratory is infectious disease and exposure to infectious microorganisms from patient specimens. This
concern stems largely from the epidemic of AIDS, a
fatal bloodborne disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and from the spread of
hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Legislation
to enforce laboratory standards of safety has been
passed, and as a result clinical laboratories are
safer now than they were in the past when disease
prevention received less emphasis.
Two government agencies have had primary
responsibility in monitoring medical lab safety:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
which is within the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (www.hhs.gov), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),

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Hazards
Potential hazards in POLs fall into three categories:

Biohazards are sources of danger from living

(bio) specimens, including blood and other
body fluids, microbiology specimens, and
cultures.
Chemical hazards are sources of danger from
exposure to laboratory chemicals, including
immediate and long-term effects on the health
of workers.
Physical hazards are sources of danger in
the environment, including electrical shock,
housekeeping accidents, and falls.

The federal government mandates addressing all

three types of potential hazards in the procedure
manuals of POLs. You should familiarize yourself
with the procedure manual in any lab where you
work. The rest of this chapter describes potential
dangers and how to deal with them for each of
these three types of hazards.

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Chapter 1 Safety in the Laboratory

BIOHAZARDS
Lab specimens sometimes contain disease-causing
microorganisms, called pathogens. Exposure of
lab personnel to pathogens is likely to vary from
one medical practice to another. A small rural
family practice clinic will have a much different
patient population with different health problems than will a specialty practice in a large metropolitan area. Nonetheless, general principles of
hygiene and safety should be followed in all POLs
to decrease the risk of disease transmission.

Safety and Procedure Manuals

Specific safety procedures addressed in POL procedure
manuals include the following:

safe workplace practices

disinfection
hepatitis B vaccine
avoiding and reporting needlestick injuries
spills and cleanups
labeling of hazardous materials
waste disposal
hygienic practices
OSHA accident log (for reporting accidents)
safety education
storage, inventory, and handling of chemicals
first aid
fire prevention and use of fire blankets

Biohazards
Potentially infective biospecimens encountered in
clinical laboratories include the following:

blood
body fluids
body tissue biopsies
urine
exudates (pus, mucus, sputum)
bacterial smears
bacterial cultures

Table 1-1

Major Routes of Disease Transmission

Type of Contact*

Infections

Direct skin contact

Staph, strep, measles, colds,

influenza, tuberculosis

Mucus-to-mucus
contact

Strep, syphilis, gonorrhea,

herpes, HIV, HCV, other STDs

Aerosols and dust

Colds, influenza, measles,

tuberculosis, chicken pox

Food and water

Food poisoning, typhoid, hepatitis A, cholera, intestinal parasites

Blood and other

body fluids

HIV, HBV, HCV

Animal vectors

Tularemia, malaria, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease

*This list is not inclusive. For example, rabies can be transferred by

a rabid animals bite or by infected tissue in surgical transplants.

unbroken chain of transmission. Pathogens in test

specimens and on contaminated equipment may
infect laboratory personnel who handle them. To
prevent infection in the lab, barriers must be maintained between workers and biohazardous material,
thereby breaking the chain of transmission.

Disease Risks in the Lab

Because blood is so frequently encountered, bloodborne diseases are a special risk for lab personnel,
but almost any type of infection can pose a risk for
those who work in a medical lab. See Figure 1-1.
Bloodborne Infections. Even though they usually cannot survive for long outside body fluids
or tissues, bloodborne pathogens pose the greatest

How Diseases Are Transmitted

To know how to avoid disease transmission in the
lab, you first must understand how diseases are transmitted. Most infectious disease pathogens gain entry
to the body through one of the bodys systems, most
commonly the skin, respiratory system, or gastrointestinal tract (see Table 1-1). In order to cause disease
in a susceptible person, the pathogen must leave the
first host and enter an uninfected individual in an

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Figure 1-1

To avoid the risk of infection in the POL,

keep it clean and orderly at all times.

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

potential risk to lab personnel. Most important of

these are HIV, human immunodeficiency virus;
HBV, hepatitis B virus; and HCV, hepatitis C virus.
They are usually transmitted by the direct contact of body fluids, such as blood or semen, from
one person to another in some manner, most often
through sexual activity or use of contaminated needles. These viruses may cause infection in which
the virus is present in body tissues and fluids even
though the patient has no symptoms of disease.
Because clues may not be apparent from patients
or specimens to warn the laboratory personnel of
infection, all biological specimens should be considered potentially infectious and handled as such.
Needlesticks are the leading cause of bloodborne
infections of lab personnel. Improper handling of
sharps, such as broken glass tubes, slides, or lancets, may result in cuts to lab personnel.
The actual number of people contracting HIV
through work in clinical laboratories is very small.
There are only a few documented cases of HIV
being transmitted through occupational exposure
of health workers.
The number of people infected with HIV remains
high, so exposure of health workers is still a concern.
In 2008, the U.S. Public Health Service reported
that at the end of 2003, approximately one million
persons in the United States were living with HIV
infection, including approximately 250,000 who do
not know they are infected (www.cdc.gov). AIDS,
the disease caused by HIV, results when the virus
damages the immune system, allowing other diseases to ravage the body. There is no cure for AIDS,
thus preventive measures must be 100 percent
effective to ensure the safety of lab personnel.
There is a higher risk of infection of health care
workers from HBV and HCV. The good news is
there has been a significant decrease in the number
of HBV infections, 260,000 in the 1980s to 46,000
in 2006, due to the vaccine available to prevent
HBV infections. HCV was discovered in 1990 and
is the most chronic bloodborne infection in the
United States. Workers exposed to blood represent
24 percent of total new cases of HCV occurring
each year (www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/topics). Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for HCV and prevention
must be completely effective.

WORKING SAFELY WITH

BIOHAZARDS
Although hazards such as disease-contaminated
biospecimens must always be part of laboratory work, they need not pose a serious threat to
the safety of lab personnel. Personal protective

cox01951_ch01_001-023.indd 6

equipment, if properly worn, is an important

safeguard. In addition, automation has greatly
reduced the need to handle contaminated specimens and toxic chemicals. Microtesting procedures using very small amounts of specimens
and chemicals also make clinical laboratories
safer.
OSHA has established laboratory guidelines
and procedures to reduce the risk of infection from
biohazards. OSHAs Infection Control Program
details procedures to be used in the following
areas, each of which is addressed in the remainder
of this section:

control methods
HBV vaccination
post-exposure treatment, evaluation, and
follow-up
disposal of infectious waste and biohazardous
material
housekeeping practices
employee education

Control Methods
Control methods refer to procedures and devices
meant to eliminate or prevent exposure incidents
in POLs. They include Universal/Standard Precautions, engineering controls, work-practice controls, and personal protective equipment.
Universal/Standard Precautions. CDCs guidelines
use Universal Precautions, which are based on the
premise that all body fluids and tissues are potentially infected with HIV, HBV, HCV, or other pathogens and lab personnel are safe only when they are
completely isolated from direct contact with biological specimens. These precautions, in combination with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standards
by OSHA, help ensure that all human blood and
other potentially infectious materials are isolated
to protect workers from infection. The Bloodborne
Pathogens Standard issued by OSHA can be found
in Appendix B.
Engineering Controls. Devices that provide a safer
laboratory environment are called engineering
controls. These are meant to eliminate or minimize worker exposure to biohazards. They may
enclose the biohazard completely, shield the biohazard from aerosolization and spattering, clean
and disinfect contaminated equipment, or identify
and enclose hazardous waste. It is imperative for
worker safety that all engineering control devices
be inspected on a regularly scheduled basis and
repaired or replaced as needed.

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Chapter 1 Safety in the Laboratory

Body Fluids and Disease

Body fluids capable of transmitting HIV and HBV
include the following:

blood and blood products

semen
vaginal secretions
spinal fluid
pleural fluid
synovial fluid
peritoneal fluid
pericardial fluid
amniotic fluid

Some body secretions, such as urine, saliva, sputum, and tears may be capable of transmitting HIV
if they contain blood. It is important to remember
that minute amounts of blood in body fluids may not
be obvious or easily detected. These body fluids may
carry other pathogens as well. The fact that the body
fluid is being tested in a clinical laboratory suggests
that it is likely to have a higher than average probability of disease.

Following are descriptions of engineering controls that you should employ to ensure safety in
the medical lab:

Needlestick safety. In response to The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act passed in
2000, OSHA now requires employers to use
new safety needles that decrease the risk
of needle injuries. Safety needles provide
shields permitting lab personnel to dispose of
contaminated needles without recapping or
touching the needles, thus reducing the risk
of needlestick injuries. (See Figure 1-2.)
Specimen containment. Confine and transfer body fluids within closed containers
whenever possible. Place specimens in wellconstructed containers with secure lids to
prevent leakage during mailing or transport.
Do not contaminate either the laboratory
request form or the outside of the container
during collection.
Prevention of aerosolization. When minute
amounts of body fluids or bacterial cultures
are sprayed or swept into the air by spillage,
laboratory procedures, or wind currents within
the room, aerosols are formed. Aerosol droplets cannot be seen by the naked eye, but they
can carry disease and penetrate to the depths
of the respiratory tract, causing infection of lab
personnel. Avoid aerosolization of biohazards
by covering all specimens. Cap or cover urine

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Figure 1-2

Safety needles now reduce the risk of

needle injuries.

containers and tubes of blood when they are

not undergoing actual testing.
Vented hoods or biohazard cabinets with
filters. Use this equipment when working
with bacteria or hazardous material that may
generate aerosols. Always inoculate microbiological specimens onto culture media and
streak and isolate cultures inside a hood or
biohazard cabinet because minute amounts of
microscopic organisms may be infectious.
Safe use of centrifuges. Stopper or cap
specimens and centrifuge them with the
lid closed. An open lid is unsafe because
of occasional accidental breakage. Flying
glass fragments and spattering or aerosolization of biological specimens can result in
both cuts and contamination at once. Never
stop centrifuges by hand or open them
before spinning stops because these actions
encourage spattering and aerosolization of
contents.
Barriers between body fluids and laboratory technicians. In addition to needle
safety shields, other devices serve as barriers between laboratory personnel and the
biohazard. Devices that remove test tube
stoppers prevent aerosols from escaping and
eliminate direct handling of contaminated
stoppers. Plexiglass shields also can be placed
as needed between the specimens and technicians. Figure 1-3 shows examples of barrier
devices.

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

(a)

Figure 1-3

Examples of barrier devices: (a) capped specimen container; (b) safety shield; and (c) hood.

Safe pipetting. Pipetting by mouth is unsafe

because of the danger of aspirating contaminated body fluids and hazardous chemicals.
Instead, use mechanical suction devices to
uptake and release fluids from pipettes.
Disposable equipment. The less often contaminated equipment is handled, the less likely
there is exposure to disease organisms. Disposable equipment, which does not have to be
washed and disinfected for reuse, provides a
safer laboratory environment. Using disposables
is also usually cheaper than cleaning and sterilizing used equipment. A wide variety of disposable products are available, including glassware,
needles, lancets, and transfer pipettes.

Work-Practice Controls. Any technique or procedure that makes lab work safer falls into this category. Most work-practice controls are simple but
proven methods of protecting oneself from disease.
All require self-discipline if they are to be effective. To keep yourself as safe as possible in the lab,
you should follow these important rules:

(c)

(b)

Wash your hands frequently with antimicrobial soap or an alcohol-based gel or foam.
The importance of hand hygiene cannot be
overemphasized. Direct contact is the most
common method for transmission of microorganisms that cause disease. Wash your hands
using antimicrobial soap or an alcohol-based
disinfectant gel or foam (see Figure 1-4). After
drying your hands, apply lotion to prevent
skin from cracking and leaving open wounds.
Avoid wearing false fingernails. Many labs
have rules regarding false fingernails, tips and
overlays because they may harbor bacteria
and they increase the puncture risk to gloves
which could leave the skin exposed to biohazardous substances.

cox01951_ch01_001-023.indd 8

Figure 1-4

Wash your hands thoroughly between

patients, after handling hazardous chemicals, between
laboratory and nonlaboratory activities, and before and
after using the restroom.

Keep objects away from your face. The mouth

is the entrance to the bodys digestive and
respiratory systems. The mucous membranes
of the nose and eyes also are pathways for
infection. Absentmindedly chewing on pencils or fingernails, rubbing your face, or putting on makeup in the lab can breach the
barrier between pathogen and worker. In
order to avoid possible contamination with
biospecimens and chemicals, do not store or
consume food and drink in the laboratory.
Take coffee breaks and meals outside the laboratory after washing your hands.
Keep personal items in storage. A closet or
locker near the laboratory should house personal effects such as jewelry and purses or
extra clothing worn to and from work. Carrying such personal items into and out of the lab
increases the risk of spreading pathogens and
other hazards outside the lab environment.

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Chapter 1 Safety in the Laboratory

(a)

(b)

Figure 1-5

(a) Clean up broken glass with care and

place in proper container; (b) Freshly prepared solutions
of 10% household bleach may be used to sanitize the
area or commercially available spill kits may be used.

Clean up spills immediately. In the event

of potentially infectious spills, pour a 1:10
bleach solution liberally, cover the spill with
paper towels to prevent spreading, and allow
the spill to soak for 5 minutes before wiping
it up. If glass is broken, never pick up the
pieces by hand because of the danger of cuts.
Instead, scoop broken glass into a dustpan or
box and dispose of it in a puncture-proof container (see Figure 1-5). Dispose of items used
in the wipe-up, including gloves, aprons, and
other barrier items, in another plastic bag.
Label these bags with a biohazard indicator.
Always wash your hands after cleaning up a
spill.
Decontaminate equipment. Decontaminate
equipment that comes into contact with
blood or other body fluids on a daily basis
with disinfectant, such as a bleach solution.
Equipment that may corrode from daily wiping with a bleach solution may be wiped with
alcohol.
Prevent splashing or spraying of materials.
Analyze all procedures for better ways to control mishaps that may contaminate equipment
or the lab environment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE refers

to specialized clothing and other gear that help
shield laboratory personnel from contaminants.
Examples include fluid repellant, high-collar
laboratory jackets and coats, vinyl or latex dispos-

cox01951_ch01_001-023.indd 9

Figure 1-6

Laboratory personnel wearing proper PPE.

able gloves (see Figure 1-6), fluid-proof aprons,

enclosed shoes, face shields, masks, and goggles.
PPE should be exchanged for street clothing before
lab personnel leave the medical office and placed
in a designated area for storage, laundry, decontamination, or disposal. OSHA stipulates that
medical labs must provide these items and that
the equipment must be replaced or repaired when
necessary to maintain its effectiveness.
Always wearing disposable, protective gloves is
especially important when working with biohazardous material. Wearing gloves helps prevent the
entrance of pathogens into abrasions that may not
be obvious if they are very small. Gloves used in
venipuncture and laboratory procedures should
be discarded after specimen processing. Gloves
also should be changed after each patient contact,
and hands should be washed with antimicrobial
soap or sanitized with alcohol-based hand gel or
foam between each glove change. Gloves should
not be disinfected and reused because disinfected
gloves may disintegrate and allow fluid to pass
through undetected holes. At the end of the day,

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

gloves should be discarded and hands washed

again before leaving the office. Note that frequent
hand washing dries and cracks the skin. Always
use a hand lotion after washing your hands to help
maintain skin integrity.
To properly remove contaminated gloves,
remove the first glove and hold it in your hand
with the second glove while you pull down the
second glove over the hand holding the first glove.
The gloves are inside out, with contaminants
inside. Discard the gloves in the biohazardous
waste container.

Latex Allergy
The occurrence of allergic reactions to latex is increasing and health care facilities provide both latex and
nonlatex gloves for personnel. Allergic reactions
could be in the form of a simple rash or more serious
reaction of anaphylaxis.

HBV Vaccination
Although there is no proven vaccine to prevent
HIV or HCV infection, a safe and effective vaccine is available for the prevention of HBV infection. This vaccine is recommended for laboratory
personnel who are at risk of HBV infection. It is
offered free of charge on a voluntary basis by all
employers and employees refusing the vaccine
must sign a waiver.

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up

Even when control measures are followed, exposure accidents sometimes occur. If you receive a
needlestick or other exposure to potentially hazardous biomaterial, you should immediately wash
or flush the area with water and then submit a
written report of the incident to your employer. As
a post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, your
employer must then do the following:

Track the exposure incident to blood or other

potentially infectious material.
Report the injury on the OSHA Occupational
Injury and Illness Log if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is prescribed and administered
by licensed medical personnel. An injury
report form can be found in Appendix C.
Record HBV, HIV, or HCV exposure if the
infection can be traced to an injury or other
biohazard exposure incident.
Make available to the exposed worker a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up.

cox01951_ch01_001-023.indd 10

Document the route of exposure; the HBV,

HCV, and HIV status of the source patient,
if known; and the circumstances of the
exposure.
Notify the source patient of the incident and
ask for consent to collect and test his or her
blood for the presence of HIV, HBV, and HCV.
Collect blood samples from the worker as
soon as possible after exposure for HIV, HBV,
and HCV testing.
Repeat HIV testing for the exposed worker
at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months after the
exposure. Extended HIV testing is recommended (12 months) for health care personnel
who become infected with HCV following
exposure to a source infected with both HIV
and HCV.
Provide counseling to the exposed worker and
medical evaluation of any acute febrile illness
occurring within 12 weeks after exposure.

This system of record keeping and data collection ensures that exposed workers receive the best
possible treatment for potential health problems
relating to the accident. OSHA requires employers to train employees in preventing possible
exposure to diseases such as HIV, HBV, and HCV.
OSHA compiles similar information on the incidence of chemical exposures and other laboratory
accidents.

Disposal of Biohazardous Material

One of the most important aspects of safe handling
of biohazardous material is appropriate decontamination and/or disposal of contaminated equipment, especially sharp instruments, and of used
biospecimens and other contaminated waste. The
laboratory waste-disposal system should provide
safe, quick disposal of all items used in collecting and testing body specimens, following federal,
state, and local regulations. The aim is to prevent
contamination of the lab environment and possible infection of lab personnel.
Bagging, Tagging, and Labeling Biohazardous
Materials. To protect from the possibility of infection, all lab personnel must be aware of the location
of biohazardous materialswhether they are blood
samples, dirty glassware, or used needles. To this
end, it is crucial that biohazards be marked with
the word biohazard or the red or orange biohazard
symbol (see Figure 1-7), or simply color-coded red
or orange. The identifying mark must be recognizable from a distance of 5 feet. If using identifying
tags or labels, fasten them as closely as possible to

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11

Figure 1-7

This symbol in orange or red permits

quick identification of biohazardous material.
the hazard with string, wire, or adhesive to prevent
their loss or unintentional removal. Before working in any lab, it is important to familiarize yourself with the location of all biohazardous materials.
You must be constantly aware of biohazards as you
work. In addition, maintenance crews and other
nonmedical personnel should be instructed on
proper safety and handling of lab wastes.
Cleaning or Disposal of Contaminated Equipment.
Reusable pieces of equipment such as hemacytometers and pipettes should be placed immediately
after use in a suitable disinfectant such as household bleach. This reduces risk of further contamination and makes the equipment easier to clean. Larger
pieces of equipment should be washed by hand or
in an automatic washer and then disinfected with
bleach or sterilized in a drying oven. Contaminated
disposable supplies like plastic tubing should be disinfected with germicide or bleach prior to disposal.
Disposal of Sharp Instruments. All disposable
sharp instruments, including needles, lancets, and
syringes with attached needles, should be placed
in a sharps container immediately after use. The
sharps container should be located where these
items are most often used. The container should
be disposed of when the fill line has been reached.
(See Figure 1-8.)
You should be especially careful when discarding
contaminated needles. A significant number of infections of lab personnel have been documented from
needlesticks received while discarding needles.
Disposal of Biohazardous Waste. Discarded lab
specimens, blood, and other contaminated waste
must be placed in containers or bags that are sturdy
and leak proof. They also must be labeled, tagged,

cox01951_ch01_001-023.indd 11

Figure 1-8

These laboratory safety devices are

designed to help laboratory personnel avoid skin puncture from contaminated needles, lancets, and other
sharp objects. Sharps containers accommodate different
needs in the laboratory.
or color-coded so that the danger of their contents
is apparent to anyone who may handle them. If
the outside of the bag is contaminated with blood
or other potentially infectious material, the waste
must be double baggedone bag inside another.
Contaminated waste that will be placed in a landfill must be autoclaved or incinerated first.

Note
Under no circumstances should you recap, bend, break,
or handle a needle in any unnecessary manner.

Housekeeping Practices
Safe medical laboratories have smooth, seamless
surfaces on floors and countertops so that they
are easily washed and disinfected. Floors should
be covered with vinyl, not carpeting, to facilitate
thorough cleaning and disinfection. The entire
laboratory should be well lighted and well ventilated with adequate room for work areas and storage of supplies and equipment. Cleaning should be
scheduled as often as necessary to maintain a sanitary workplace. When cleaning, workers should
use appropriate PPE including gloves.

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

Disinfection. For general cleanup, an approved

hospital disinfectant, a chemical germicide that is
tuberculocidal, or a fresh bleach solution should
be used each day on counters, work surfaces, and
accessible machine parts that are subject to contamination. Because bleach solutions lose their
potency over time, they should be prepared daily.
A 1:10 dilution of household bleach, such as
5 percent sodium hypochlorite in water, is effective against HIV and other pathogens.
Laundry. Laundry that is contaminated with blood
or other potentially infectious material should be
treated as if it were HBV, HCV, or HIV infectious
and handled as little as possible, with minimum
agitation. It should be bagged at the location where
it is used and transported in biohazard-identified
bags. A solution of 1:10 to 1:100 bleach can be used
to disinfect the garments before laundering. Many
laboratories use disposable lab coats, but these are
expensive.

Laboratory Personnel Education

Training and education of employees are required
by law for everyone whose work exposes them
to blood or other potentially infectious materials
(OPIM). An education program should include
maintenance crews who do general after-hours
cleaning and/or repairs. The program must explain
the following:

epidemiology, transmission, and symptoms of

HBV, HCV, and HIV
effectiveness, safety, and benefits of HBV
vaccination
employers infection-control program
(ICP), including procedures to follow if an
exposure incident occurs and labeling of
biohazards
methods of control that may prevent or
reduce exposure to biohazards, including
Standard Precautions, engineering controls,
work-practice controls, and personal protective equipment

WORKING SAFELY WITH

CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Safety in POLs requires knowledge of and respect
for chemicals. The current trend is using very
small amounts of premixed chemicals embedded
in plastic or dissolved in some other medium in
order to eliminate most mixing and handling of
reagents. Test kits with these small amounts of
chemicals are not hazardous if used correctly.

cox01951_ch01_001-023.indd 12

Unfortunately, hazardous chemicals cannot be

eliminated entirely from medical labs. Chemicals
such as methyl alcohol and acetone are required
as preservatives, stains, drying agents, and cleaners. These and other lab chemicals may be flammable, caustic, carcinogenic, or toxic in other
ways. This is true of their fumes as well as their
liquid or solid forms. Therefore, it is important to
be familiar with the rules of safety concerning lab
chemicals.

Safety Tips for Using Lab Chemicals

Lab personnel should assume that all chemicals
are harmful until they learn otherwise and should
never taste or sniff an unknown chemical in order
to identify it. OSHA maintains a hazardous chemical list used in medical labs that may be checked
if there is any question about toxicity. OSHA also
requires chemical manufacturers and distributors
to furnish a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
with all shipments of hazardous chemicals (see
Figure 1-9). The MSDS provides usage precautions, among other information. For safetys sake,
familiarize yourself with all precautions for chemicals that you use in the lab.

Right-to-Know
OSHA developed the Right-to-Know Law, which
requires employers to make certain that all employees are informed of any possible chemical hazards
in the workplace. This is accomplished by proper
chemical container labeling, MSDS, and employee
training.

When using hazardous chemicals, it is especially important to keep your workstation free of
excess reagents and equipment. This will help
prevent spills and mistakes. Manipulate chemicals
that generate fumes or a cloud of powder under a
vented hood. Avoid direct contact of lab chemicals
with skin or clothes, and wash your hands after
each use.
Always place covers from reagent containers top
down on a clean counter to prevent contaminating both the counter and reagent container cover.
Replace the cover and return the reagent to its storage place as soon as possible.
Most reagents may be safely flushed down the
laboratory sink unless otherwise specified. Place
these directly into the drain to prevent spattering
and flush with plenty of water. Refer to MSDS for
proper disposal.

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13

Figure 1-9

An example of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that includes proper handling, storage, and
disposal of hazardous chemicals.

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

Acids and BasesSpecial Concerns

Fire
Hazard

3
Health
Hazard

Reactivity
Hazard

W
Special
Hazard

Figure 1-10 The NFPA fire diamond is used to

identify a substances level of hazard. The higher the
number, the higher the risk.

Labeling and Storing Reagents

OSHA requires that all reagent containers be clearly
and prominently labeled with the chemicals name
and pertinent information about hazards, such as
toxicity and flammability. The date of receipt or
preparation of chemicals, their expiration date,
and any special storage requirements also should
be noted. Discard reagents with missing or unreadable labels to prevent potential misuse. As an extra
safety measure, it is a good idea to label all caustic
reagents with a brightly colored sticker or easily
recognized symbol.
The National Fire Protection Association has
standardized a method of labeling hazardous materials using colors and symbols to identify a substances level of hazard. It is sometimes referred
to as the NFPA diamond. The symbol is divided
into four colored quadrants, each quadrant representing a hazard and level of that hazard. (See
Figure 1-10.)
All reagents should be stored away from heat
and sunlight in a dry location because heat, light,
and moisture often cause chemicals to react.
Reagents may be stored at room temperature unless
storage directions indicate the need for refrigeration. Reagents that react together should be stored
in isolation from one another in safety containers, and flammable reagents should be stored in
a fireproof metal cabinet. The smallest amount of
all necessary chemicals should be kept in stock to
keep the potential for contamination and injury at
a minimum.

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Two groups of chemicals requiring special caution

are acids and bases. Both are caustic, generate heat
when they come into contact with water, and react
quickly with other chemicals and each other. Even
the fumes of acids and bases react together. Acids
and bases are prone to spattering and can cause
serious burns to the eyes and skin. Protective eyewear is recommended when working with acids,
bases, and other chemicals that may spatter.
Acids always should be added to waternot
water to acidsbecause there is less chance of
spattering and burns. When water is added to acid,
it remains on top because it is less dense. There,
it reacts and generates heat, potentially spattering
the workstation and lab personnel.
Acids and bases neutralize each other; therefore, a base is used to neutralize acid spills and an
acid to neutralize base spills. A large amount of a
weak base will neutralize a strong acid as effectively as a smaller amount of a stronger base but
in a safer manner. Similarly, a large amount of a
weak acid is safer to neutralize a strong base than
is a stronger acid.

First Aid for Chemical Spills

No matter how careful laboratory personnel are, the
possibility of an accident with hazardous chemicals still exists. Therefore, every laboratory should
have a designated sink where chemical spills can
be washed off quickly. An eyewash station should
be installed at a sink that is quickly accessible (see
Figure 1-11). Check your labs manual for more
explicit procedures to follow when chemical spills
occur.

Figure 1-11 An eyewash station is an instant

source of water for a quick rinse when an accident
occurs. A quick response can be crucial.

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15

SAFETY FROM PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Weather Hazards

Physical hazards such as slippery floors and falling objects may present risks to workers in most
workplaces, but are especially dangerous in laboratories where biohazardous materials are at
hand. Good housekeeping and time management
are important to help prevent accidents of this
nature. The best way for lab personnel to avoid
injury from physical hazards is to follow basic
rules for physical safety. These are described
next for electrical, fire, weather, and personal
hazards.

In some parts of the country, weather emergencies are relatively common. For example, hurricanes are a potential risk in the Southeast and
tornadoes in the Midwest. The places to take
cover in case of severe weather in your area
should be described in the POL manual. Learn
where they are.

Electrical Hazards
Always use common sense when using electricity.
For example, always unplug electrical appliances
before changing bulbs or servicing. Be careful to
keep water and chemicals away from outlets and
electrical equipment to avoid dangerous shorts
that can start fires and cause electrocution.
The electrical wiring system of the laboratory
should be adequate for the amount of electricity
usedextension cords and multiple tap plugs are
not safe and usually indicate an inadequate electrical wiring system. There should be safety devices
such as three-prong grounded plugs, current breakers or fuses, and a master switch that is accessible
in case of emergency.
Any malfunctioning electrical equipment should
be checked by a professional. If the malfunction is
major, unplug the machine until it can be repaired
or replaced. Check cords periodically for breaks
and frays.

Fire Hazards
Any situation that is a potential fire hazard should
be remedied before an accident occurs. For example, long hair or loose clothing presents a fire hazard around open flames such as laboratory burners.
Situations like this are easily avoided.
Even when precautions are taken to prevent
fires, they may still occur. All lab personnel
should know how to report a fire. Each lab should
have a multiple-use fire extinguisher conveniently
mounted on a wall ready for use. Know how to
use it. The fire extinguisher should be in good
condition and checked periodically. A fire blanket at a convenient location is essential to smother
flames.
The POL manual should include a fire escape
plan. Dual exits should be included in the plan in
case one exit is blocked by fire. Exits to be used as
fire escapes should be clearly marked and accessible at all times during work hours.

cox01951_ch01_001-023.indd 15

Personal Hazards
Wherever you work, you should analyze your
work environment for personal safety hazards
such as theft and assault. To maximize your personal safety in the lab, in the parking lot, and on
route to and from work, follow these safety tips
recommended by police:

When you arrive at work, park in a welllighted area and lock your car.
At work, keep your purse or other valuables
out of sight, preferably in a locked place such
as a desk or filing cabinet.
Avoid working alone, especially at night.
When you leave work, particularly after dark,
stay alert, leave the building with coworkers,
have your keys handy, and drive on welllighted streets.

LABORATORY PERSONNEL
CHARACTERISTICS AFFECTING
LAB SAFETY
Safety rules and regulations and specialized equipment and gear cannot ensure lab safety unless
personnel use care and common sense on the job
everyday.

Personnel Attitudes
In POLs, as elsewhere, worker attitudes can contribute to an unsafe work environment. Workers
who take shortcuts and are inconsiderate of others
may undermine everyones safety. Attitudes that
may contribute to a safer laboratory, on the other
hand, include awareness of potential danger, willingness to learn and use safe methods, and concern for the welfare of coworkers. Professionalism
in medical laboratories is a combination of positive attitudes that put a high priority on personnel
safety.
To ensure safety on the job, lab personnel should
avoid taking unnecessary risks. Sometimes, even
experienced workers take risks that can cause lab

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

accidents. Indeed, experienced workers sometimes

take unnecessary risks because they have performed these tasks without incident so many times
in the past. Other common reasons for lab accidents
include

instruments. If the microscope is not at a comfortable height, try placing books under it to raise it
to a level that does not require you to bend your
neck tightly.

More About Stress

hurrying to meet deadlines or goals

carelessness and fatigue
preoccupation with nonwork matters
excessive stress

Keep in mind that working under these conditions

may lead to accidents.

Chronic Injury to Muscles and Bones

Muscles and bones, if overused over a period of
time, can develop chronic injuries classified as
occupational diseases. Two examples are carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrist, which affects
keyboard operators, and neck torsion disorder,
which may occur from long periods of microscope use.
The following suggestions can help you prevent these injuries. Examine your work activities, furniture, and lighting for stressful elements.
Use good posture; comfortable chairs; good lighting; large, padded grip and handle surfaces; and
cushioned hand/wrist rests. Alternate between
high- and low-risk activities and take brief breaks
to stretch muscles during tedious tasks. Try to
eliminate awkward or stressful motions such as
extending beyond your usual reach. Use minimal,
not excessive, force to operate keyboards and

While some stress may be helpful in maintaining

alertness, too much stress may cause work quality to deteriorate and lead to accidents on the
job. Stress may originate off the joba too busy
lifestyle, for exampleor work conditions may
be the cause. It is not uncommon for lab personnel to feel pressure to work faster. Whatever the
cause, excessive stress should be brought under
control before injury or ill health results. Following are some ways to help control job-related
stress:

Prioritize your job tasks each day and schedule your work assignments by the day, week,
and month. Work piling up on your desk
may create job stress. If you develop a plan
to deal with all of the work, you will feel less
stressed.
Try to resolve job-related stress by first discussing problems with your supervisor. For
example, be realistic with your time. Tell your
supervisor if you have more work than you
can handle.
Develop a personal wellness programeat
a well-balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and
exercise regularly.

PROCEDURE 1-1
Hand Washing
Goal
After successfully completing this procedure, you
will be able to wash your hands with soap and
running water to sanitize your skin prior to gloving before hazardous laboratory procedures and
also after completing such procedures.
Completion Time
2 minutes

Paper towels in a dispenser

Hand lotion
Instructions
Read through the list of equipment and supplies
you will need and the steps of the procedure. Be
sure you understand each step correctly and in the
proper order.

Equipment and Supplies

A sink with running water
Liquid soap in a dispenser (preferably an antiseptic soap)

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Chapter 1 Safety in the Laboratory

17

*Steps marked with (*) are critical and must have the maximum points to pass.
Performance Standards

Points Awarded

Maximum Points

1.

Remove all jewelry such as rings (except for a plain gold band), bracelets,
and your wristwatch because these may harbor microorganisms in the
crevices. Wristwatches worn at work in the POL should be sanitized
separately.

10

2.

Turn on the faucet and regulate the water temperature to a desired warm
temperature. Soap will suds better in warm water.

3.

Wet your hands with water. Hold your hands lower than your elbows to
prevent water running past your elbows. Microorganisms and debris will be
washed away into the sink instead of traveling up your arms.

4.

Apply approximately 24 mL of liquid soap to your hands and arms up to

your mid forearm. Suds the soap with about 10 circular motions of your
hands.

10

5.

Use friction along with the circular motions to suds your palms, the backs of
your hands, and your forearms.

10

6.

Wash your fingers with 10 circular motions, interfacing your fingers and
rubbing them back and forth with friction.

10

7.

Rinse your hands well, making sure to hold your hands lower than your
elbows. Then rinse your wrists and forearms until no soap remains.

10

8.

Repeat the soaping and rinse process to be sure that your hands are clean.

9.

Dry your hands gently and thoroughly with paper towels. Drying your
hands well will help prevent chapping, which causes crevices and breaks
in skin.

10.

Turn off the water using a paper towel. The faucet handles are considered
contaminated.

11.

Inspect your hands for cuts and abrasions. Cover any hangnails or open
wounds with bandages.

12.

Put lotion on your hands.

13.

If this is your last hand wash of the day before leaving work, clean your nails
thoroughly with an orange stick. Nails harbor microorganisms in the debris
lodged underneath them.

14.

If work is to continue with hazardous material, put on nonsterile gloves.

15.

Wipe the sink area with a paper towel to remove water and debris. Keep
the paper towel between your hands and the sink. The sink is considered
contaminated.

Total Points

100

Overall Procedural Evaluation

Students Name _________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Instructor __________________________________________________________ Date _____________
Comments ______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

PROCEDURE 1-2
Practicing Lab Safety
Goal
After successfully completing this procedure, you
will be able to properly use equipment to safely
handle and dispose of biohazardous materials in
the laboratory.
Completion Time
45 minutes
Equipment and Supplies
Disposable gloves
Hand disinfectant
Face shield or goggles
Surface disinfectant
Paper towels
Biohazard container

Sharps container
Pipette and suction device
Personal protective gear
Bags and tags for biohazardous waste
Needle and needle remover or forceps
Tap water

Instructions
Read through the list of equipment and supplies
you will need and the steps of the procedure. Be
sure you understand each step before you begin.
Then complete each step correctly and in the
proper order. If your completion time is too long,
repeat the procedure until you increase your
speed.

Steps marked with (*) are critical and must have the maximum points to pass.
Performance Standards

Points Awarded

Maximum Points

1.

Collect or locate the appropriate equipment.

10

2.

Wash your hands thoroughly with hand disinfectant.

20

3.

Dry your hands completely.

10

4.

Put on disposable gloves.

5.

Assemble and correctly put on a complete outfit of protective gear.

10

6.

Remove all gear, except the gloves, and return to storage.

10

7.

Use the pipette suction device to pipette a small amount of tap water into
a disposable pipette.

10

8.

Empty the pipette and repeat step 7.

9.

Pour a small amount of tap water on the floor to simulate a biohazardous

spill.

10.

Pour surface disinfectant liberally on the spill. Cover the spill with paper
towels to prevent spreading, and let the spill soak for 5 minutes.

10

11.

Wipe up the spill thoroughly with paper towels.

12.

Dispose of the paper towels in a plastic bag. Label the bag with a biohazard
indicator.

10

13.

*Remove your gloves, wash your hands with disinfectant, dry your hands,
and put on clean gloves.

20

14.

Thoroughly wipe a piece of equipment such as a centrifuge with disinfectant

or alcohol and paper towels.

10

15.

Dispose of the paper towels in a plastic bag and label the bag with a
biohazard indicator.

10

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Chapter 1 Safety in the Laboratory

16.

*Remove your gloves, wash your hands with disinfectant, dry your hands,
and put on clean gloves.

20

17.

*Dispose of the needle and syringe safely in the sharps container.

20

18.

Disinfect work counters and tables with surface disinfectant.

10

19.

*Clean the work area following Standard Precautions.

20

20.

*Remove your gloves, wash your hands with disinfectant, and dry them.

20

Total Points

19

240

Overall Procedural Evaluation

Students Name _________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Instructor ________________________________________________________ Date _____________
Comments _____________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________

chapter 1 REVIEW
Using Terminology
Define the following terms as they apply to laboratory safety.
1. Aerosolization ______________________________________________________________________________
2. Biohazard __________________________________________________________________________________
3. Exposure incident ___________________________________________________________________________
4. Chain of transmission _______________________________________________________________________
5. Material Safety Data Sheet ___________________________________________________________________
6. Infection Control Program ___________________________________________________________________
7. Post-exposure prophylaxis ___________________________________________________________________
8. Universal Precautions _______________________________________________________________________
Match the following terms to the most appropriate meaning.
____ 9. Biological specimen
____ 10. Engineering control
____ 11. HBV
____ 12. HCV
____ 13.
____ 14.
____ 15.
____ 16.

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HIV
PPE
OSHA
Vector

a. hepatitis B virus
b. federal agency that ensures safety and health of
workers
c. virus that causes AIDS
d. an animal, such as an insect, that carries a
pathogen
e. includes gloves, face shields, aprons, uniforms
f. lab samples originating from living organisms
g. safety devices used in the laboratory
h. hepatitis C virus

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

Acquiring Knowledge
Answer the following questions in the spaces provided.
17. How do the Universal Precautions protect laboratory personnel against infection?

18. List five medical problems or diseases that may be encountered in a laboratory.

19. Discuss appropriate ways to manage a high level of stress at work.

20. How should you apply the rule of placing a barrier between you and the possible source of contamination or disease in the laboratory? Give examples for
Pipetting

Disposing of used needles and lancets

Working with biohazards that may splatter

21. Why are biohazards labeled with an easily read label, whether they are test specimens or waste material?

22. Why do the Universal Precautions dictate that all biospecimens be regarded as hazardous?

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23. Which of the following may transmit HIV?

_______ a. blood
_______ b. amniotic fluid
_______ c. semen
_______ d. synovial fluid
24. What protection against HBV is available to laboratory personnel?

25. What records are kept of reported laboratory accidents involving biohazards and toxic chemicals?

26. List seven ways to prevent exposure to toxic chemicals in the laboratory.

27. In a safety education program provided by the employer, what information should be provided to
new lab personnel?

28. What are some physical hazards in the laboratory and how are they best controlled?

29. What is an acceptable dilution of household bleach prepared daily for the purpose of decontaminating counters, equipment, and floors?

30. What part does attitude play in laboratory safety?

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Unit I Introduction to the Physicians Office Laboratory

31. When should laboratory personnel wash their hands?

32. What rule should laboratory personnel follow regarding facial contamination?

33. How should laboratory personnel dispose of waste contaminated with biohazards or chemicals?

34. Why should fire escape routes be posted and exits not blocked with supplies or furniture?

35. How can lab personnel avoid being exposed to needlesticks from contaminated needles?

36. When should lab personnel wear gloves in the laboratory?

Applying KnowledgeOn the Job

Answer the following questions in the spaces provided.
37. Mary and Jane were working as a team in the POL. The schedule for that day was very busy. Mary
had just drawn blood. As she attempted to dispose of the contaminated needle into the sharps container, Jane reached for a reagent and was accidentally stuck. Write the report that Jane must submit
to her employer and list the post-exposure procedure steps that her employer must follow.

38. A patient infected with HIV is having a blood test in the POL. What precautions should you take
when you draw his blood? When you perform the blood test?

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39. Joseph, a student, is instructed to visit a lab to see how safety rules are being observed. Make a list
of at least eight safety rules that Joseph could easily observe when he visits the lab.

40. Anna, a lab technician, performs the following tasks in the following order. After which tasks
should she wash her hands?
_______ a. entering the lab for her work shift
_______ b. putting on disposable gloves
_______ c. performing a test using a test tube of blood
_______ d. removing gloves
_______ e. taking the lab report to the receptionist
_______ f. putting on gloves
_______ g. drawing blood from a patient for a blood test
_______ h. performing the blood test
_______ i. removing the gloves
_______ j. putting the cover on the microscope
_______ k. making a phone call
_______ l. going to the waiting room to call a patient to come to the lab for a timed blood test
_______ m. verifying that the test request is for the right patient
41. A laboratory fails a fire safety inspection only because an exit in the lab is partially blocked. List
three other safety requirements that it must have met.

42. Web Research: Go to www.cdc.gov/mmwr and search for the updated U.S. Public Health Service
Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposure to HBV, HCV, and HIV. Report to the
class the recommendations for post-exposure prophylaxis for health care personnel to these three
infections.

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