Exercise 1: Lab Safety

Question 1

Lab Safety

Answer 1

the utmost importance because microbes can be opportunistic pathogens when your immune system is compromised

Question 2

Aseptic Technique

Answer 2

• collective method of working and maintaining pure cultures

- awareness of where microbes are allows for proper maintenance of surroundings

Question 3

BSL-1

Answer 3

microbes that pose VERY LOW risk to immunocompetent individuals
-ex: B. subtilis, S. marcescens, E. coli, K. mobilis, etc

Question 4

BSL-2

Answer 4

microbes that carry a MODERATE risk, but can be handled carefully by utilizing proper techniques and protective gear
-ex. E. coli O157:H7 (lettuce outbreak), S. pyogenes, S. aureus, P. mirabilis, etc.

Question 5

BSL-3

Answer 5

microbes that carry an ELEVATED risk because of their ability to cause very serious infections through the inhalation route
-ex. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Coxiella burnetti

Question 6

BSL-4

Answer 6

microbes that carry the HIGHEST risk and are dangerous; they can cause fatal infections and diseases that have no available preventative measures or therapy
-ex: Ebola virus, Marbug virus

Question 7

Biohazard Waste Management

Answer 7

all biohazard waste must be cleaned up and disposed of immediately; place this waste in the red biohazard bags

Question 8

Hand Washing and Lab Bench Cleaning

Answer 8

• hands must be washed properly w/ antibacterial soap
• if there is a spill, hands need to be washed and lab bench needs to be cleaned with 10% bleach and paper towels
• work bench should be cleaned before and after each lab