SAFETY IN THE CLINICAL LABORATORY Flashcards
What are potentially harmful microorganisms called?
Biological hazards
What are the 6 components of the Chain of Infection?
(IREMES)
Infectious agent, Reservoir, Exit portal, Mode of transmission, Entry portal, Susceptible host
What is required for the Chain of Infection?
(SMS)
Continuous link between:
Susceptible host, Method of transmission, Susceptible host
What are the 3 routes of infection?
Inhalation, ingestion, direct inoculation or skin contact
What is the best way to break the chain of infection?
Hand washing
What is the primary method of infection transmission?
Hand contact
What prevention is used when hands are soiled?
Wash hands with soap and water
What method is used when hands are NOT visibly soiled?
Apply alcohol based hand-rub (sanitizer)
What is the handwashing procedure?
1) Wet hands w/ warm water
2) Apply antimicrobial soap
3) Rub to form lather, create friction to loosen debris
4) Thoroughly clean hands for 15-20 secs
5) Rinse hands in DOWNWARD position
6) Dry with a paper towel
7) Turn off faucets with a clean paper towel to prevent recontamination
What is the most important step in handwashing?
Friction
How long should hands be washed?
At least 15-20 seconds
What is the washing hands position?
DOWNWARD
What is the last step in handwashing?
Turn off faucets with a clean paper towel
Where must all biological waste be placed?
In appropriate labeled containers with biohazard symbol EXCEPT Urine
What is the color of the accepted BIOHAZARD label?
Fluorescent orange
Where should urine be discarded?
Sink
What is used for disinfection of the sink?
1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOH)
How often should disinfection of the sinks be performed?
Every day (daily)
What does disinfection eliminate?
Almost all microorganisms except bacterial spores
How is a 1:10 dilution of NaOH prepared?
1 part NaOH to 9 parts water
How long is a 1:10 dilution of disinfectant effective?
1 month
What is the basic outline of the biohazard symbol?
Trefoil (three circles overlapping each other)
What is the sharp hazard symbol?
Syringe with a NO circle sign
What is the color of the puncture resistant container?
Red
What is the best method of waste disposal for radioactive hazards?
Store the used radioactive material in a locked room, marked room until the background count is down to 10 half-lives for radioiodine
What is the chemical spill symbol?
Skull with cross bones
What is the best first aid for chemical spills?
Flush the area with amounts of water for at least 15 mins
What is the first aid for alkali/acid burns in the eye?
Wash the eye thoroughly with running water for 15 mins