Working in The Lab

Question 1

Why use a referral lab?

Answer 1

• Wider range of tests
• Expert staff
• Professional advice given
• Often cheaper

Question 2

How would you post a specimen to a referral lab?

Answer 2

TRIPLE PACKAGING

• Primary container (blood tube): labelled, water tight, leak proof
• Secondary container: labelled, padded, water tight, leak proof
• Tertiary container: padding, for glass (slides or tubes) use rigid container
• Label parcel: ‘Biological Substances’
• Address properly
• Record when samples are sent

Question 3

What should the storage fridge and freezer for samples be set to, temperature wise?

Answer 3

Fridge: 4-8 degrees
Freezer: -20 degrees

Question 4

What PPE should be used working in the labs?

Answer 4

• Lab coat: Avoid chemical spills on clothes, should have long hair tied up also
• Latex gloves recommended for blood, faeces or pathogens. Heat resistant gloves for autoclaves or ovens.
• Safety glasses working with chemicals

Question 5

What information is given on material safety data sheets? (MSDS)

Answer 5

• Potential hazards including toxicity and by which routes

- Action to be taken if accidental contact with skin/ingestion

Question 6

What is done with chemical waste?

Answer 6

• Can’t be dumped in landfill or down the drain

- Companies such as Silver Lining Ltd take care of X-ray developer wastes and may take other waste/advise you

Question 7

What should go into the sharps bin?

Answer 7

Needles, glass slides, bottles, pipettes, or anything classed as clinical waste that could puncture a bag or cause injury to another person

Question 8

What should go into black or clear bags?

Answer 8

Non sharp, non clinical waste such as plastic, paper and card

Question 9

What are yellow bags used for?

Answer 9

Bandages, animal tissue, soft medical appliances, autoclaved infectious material