SAFETY IN MEDICAL LAB

Biohazard◦An agent of biological origin that has the capacity to produce deleterious effects on humans, animals, plants and insects. These include microorganisms, toxins and allergens derived from those organisms; and allergens and toxins derived from insects, animals and plants.

        

Corrosive

Toxic       Highly Toxic      

Highly flammable Health hazard

Accelerator

Explosive

Radioactive hazard Biological hazard

Infectious substances

Diagnostic specimens

Protection: workers “products” co-workers lab support personnel environment

Collection, transport & manipulation

Any biological sample may be infectiousand therefore presents a hazard to anyperson handling

during collection

during transport

during opening and proceeding

Sample Collection

by patients» faeces urine sputum

by medical staff» blood sternal punctureaspiration liquids pus

Precautions during sample collectionProtect collector, colleague, staff...

wear gloves, coat, (mask, glasses) dispose needles in special containers,

without re-capping, disinfection (sodium hypochlorite 2.5%), incineration

clean working surfaces (hypochlorite) decontaminate material (hypochlorite 10%)

HBV, HIV virus present in blood, body fluids Accidentally cutting yourself with a sharp object

that is contaminated with infected blood, body fluids

Infected blood or body fluid on skin especially with open cuts, sores

Getting contaminated blood or body fluid in eyes, mouth.

Knowledgeable supervisor Knowledgeable personnel

◦ Aware of potential hazards◦ Proficient in practices &◦ techniques

Lab specific biosafety manual

Strictly follow guidelines: Demonstrate proficiency Receive appropriate training Report incidents Participate in medical surveillance

Decontaminate work surfaces

Report spills and accidentsNo animals in laboratories

Sample preparation

Prefer vials such as vacutainers

coagulation at room temp.

centrifuge carefully

avoid aerosols store

– serology: -20 C - 4 C

– virology: freeze rapidly

– bacteriology: store at room temperature

Use safety cups whenever possible Disinfect weekly and after all spills or

breakages Do not use rotors that have been dropped

Check tubes for cracks/ chips. Use matched sets of tubes, buckets etc. Tightly seal all tubes and safety cups. Ensure that rotor is locked to spindle and

bucket seated. Close lid during operation. Allow to come to complete stop before

opening.

Universal Precautions TREAT ALL BLOOD AND BODY FLUIDS AS POTENTIALLY

INFECTIOUS. Skin protects from pathogens - cuts, dermatitis,

chapping, small cracks allow germs to enter the body First aid - use gloves, have as little contact as possible

with blood or body fluids Wash hands with antibacterial soap after contact After contact, flush eyes and face with fresh water for

several minutes

After an accident, the entire area must be cleaned with disinfectant

Cleaning equipment must be disinfected Wear gloves while cleaning, apron or

goggles if appropriate Restrict access to the area Use disposable towels - dispose of

properly

Cleaning surfaces contaminated with blood, body fluids

ALWAYS wear gloves and protective apron or clothing

Be alert for sharp objects, broken glassware, used syringes in trash

Do not pick up broken glass - use brush or broom & dustpan

Dispose of glass, sharp objects safely Laundry - bloody or contaminated linens or sharp

objects

Wash hands & remove protective clothing before eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, applying lip balm or cosmetics

Keep hands away from eyes, nose, mouth while cleaning

Frequent handwashing is best defense against spreading infection

Protect yourself on and off the job- know the facts

Practice good personal hygiene Follow work rules, use gloves and

protective clothing Wash your hands often, after work or

exposure Keep areas clean - report problems

immediately to supervisors