Basic Microbiology Laboratory Safety

Question 1

word used to describe the safe methods and procedures for handling and managing microorganisms in the laboratory

Answer 1

containment

Question 2

• procedure practiced by all microbiologists that will guarantee containment
• prevents workers from contaminating themselves with microorganisms, ensures that others and
  the work area do not become contaminated
• ensures that microbial cultures do not become unnecessarily contaminated with unwanted organisms.

Answer 2

aseptic technique

Question 3

Bio safety levels
- agents not known to cause disease in healthy adults
- standard microbiological practices (SMP) apply
- no safety equipment required
- sinks required

Answer 3

BSL 1

Question 4

Bio safety levels
- agents associated with human disease
- standard microbiological practices apply plus limited access, bio hazard signs, sharps precautions, and a bio safety manual required
- Biosafety cabinet (BSC) used for aerosol/splash generating operations; lab coats, gloves, face protection required
- contaminated waste is autoclaved

Answer 4

BSL 2

Question 5

Bio safety levels
- Can cause disease in healthy adults; may spread to community; effective treatment readily available

Answer 5

BSL 3

Question 6

Bio safety levels
- Can cause disease in healthy adults; poses a lethal risk and does not respond to vaccines or antimicrobial
therapy.

Answer 6

BSL 4

Question 7

appropriate containers for Biological Wastes

Answer 7

1. Biohazard containers
2. Sharps containers
3. Discard shelves, carts, bins
4. Trash cans

Question 8

Appropriate containers for Biological Wastes
- lined with clear autoclave bags; disposable petri plates, used gloves, and any materials such as
contaminated paper towels should be discarded in
these containers; no glassware, test tubes, or sharp items are to be disposed of in biohazard containers.

Answer 8

Biohazard containers

Question 9

Appropriate containers for Biological Wastes
- sharps, slides, coverslips,
broken glass, disposable pipettes, and Pasteur
pipettes should be discarded here

Answer 9

Sharps containers

Question 10

Appropriate containers for Biological Wastes
- contaminated culture tubes and glassware used to store media and other glassware should be placed in these areas for decontamination and washing

Answer 10

Discard shelves, carts, bins

Question 11

Appropriate containers for Biological Wastes
- any noncontaminated materials, paper, or trash should be discarded in these containers

Answer 11

Trash cans