w10 spec handling and storage Flashcards
3 major areas where spec transport occurs
on site- hospital or clinic to lab intra laboratory- within the lab inter laboratory (offsite)- to reference labs, patient service centres
on-site and intra lab rules and guidelines for transport
- routine practices (all specimens infectious)
- WHMIS chemical handling and transport
off-site transport
adhere to Transportation of Dangerous Goods TDG - Packaging and handling differ depending on type of specimen- a and b
how should biohazardous specimens such as feces, blood or bod fluids be transported
labelled and in containers that protect individuals from contamination
How should specimens containing viable organisms be packaged?
- Triple packaged so they can withstand leakage of contents, pressure, temperature changes and rough handle
- primary container-absorbent packing material- secondary bag then a third hard rigid container and labelling
where to keep req when transporting
separate from specimen in case of leakage- outside pocket
what to do when specimen arrives
- specimen checked against name, number and source on req
- time stamped when they arrive to determine TAT.
- leaky/broken specimen-handle carefully according to routine practices
on site chemical delivery/transport
-performed by materials management department
pneumatic tube system
tube consisted of evacuated outer tube system.
- item placed in a pod
- pod placed in vacuum and will be pulled throughout hospital once door is closed
intra lab transport- chemicals
- avoid spill or breakage
- transport in cart or chemical carrier (carry properly)
intra-lab transport biohazard specimens
always transport tubes in a rack to avoid spills or dropping. larger specimens transported on trays or baskets or carts
United nations numbers
each dangerous good aligned a UN number which is consistent world wide.
UN 1845- dry ice
UN 2814- infectious substances infecting humans category A
UN 3373- biological substances category b
when did canada adopt United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods?
1984- provide uniformity for both domestic and international shipments
what are dangerous goods
articles or substances capable of posing risk to health, property or environment
how are regulations of TDG written
-all info provided to anyone who handles for transport, transports, takes in goods, or responds to dangerous goods incident
4 main areas of TDG
- manufacturer-properly package and mark products
- consigner (sender)-ensure all dangerous goods documented properly and all safety marks in place
- carrier ensure they are transported safely- documentation available, safety marks in place
- consignee -reciever check parcel intact and documents ignorer before singing receipt
why must lab personnel be aware of tdg
- Transport of chemicals required forlab
- transport of specimens to one site to another
- diposal of hazardous waste
category A infectious substance
-infectious substance that is transported that if released when it contacts humans or animals it is capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening or fatal disease to humans or animals
category B biological substance
does not meet category A - b includes infectious substances for diagnostic or investigational purposes.
*most specimens fall into this category as they have not yet been tested
why is it okay that TDG goes against routine practices
- all biological specimens are treated as they are infectious*
- because in the lab the samples are manipulated but in transport no exposure should occur
how much of an infectious material can be in one package
50 ml
consigner
sender
consignee
receiver
legal responsibility of consigner
package and label properly
- decides if infectious or biological
- if A reference made to TDGR packaging and documents are required
- legally responsible for package until it is accepted (signed) at location
- only responsible if certified, if not certified it is the institutions fault
when is person not guilty
when they have done everything reasonable to comply with the act regulations- reviewed by inspectors
Triple packaging 1B
for category B substances 650`
- Primary container (leak proof-tube)
- reabsorbing material places between primary and secondary package to absorb all liquid in case of leak
- primary container is placed in leak-proof heavy duty plastic bag or biohazard bag
- contained with strong rigid outer package (tertiary container)
triple packaging 1A
- primary container (water tight- blood tube)
- absorbent material placed between primary and secondary packaging to absorb all liquid in case of spill
- primary container placed in water-tight secondary packaging (intermediate packaging)
- contained within a very strong outer (tertiary) package of at least 10cm per side -box must pass drop test -9m at 50km/h to a hard surface without breakage -must be penetration resistant to crowbar for 1 metre
can you ship something as dangerous goods when it is not?
no, it is unlawful.
absorbants
incontinent pads- absorb 400 mL
dry mops( packets of absorbent)
safe t sorbs (sheets that absorb liquid 250mL-400mL)
dry ice packaging
UN 1845 904 class 9 dangerous good "dry ice as refrigerant" must be on documents and it must be declared as a dangerous good for air transport
consists of CO2 heavier than air, odourless, colourless- must never be placed in a sealed container– explosive — must be packaged to release co2 -poke holes
