Safety in the Hematology Laboratory

• What should all body fluids be treated as in the laboratory?

  Potentially infectious
• Why is handwashing important in the laboratory?

  It prevents the spread of infections
• What should be used if water is not available for handwashing?

  Alcohol hand gels with minimum 62% alcohol
• What activities are prohibited in the laboratory work area?

  Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics
• Why should hands and other fomites be kept away from mucous membranes?

  To prevent contamination and infection
• Where should food and drink not be stored in the laboratory?

  Same refrigerator as lab specimens
• What must be done with needles and sharp objects contaminated with blood?

  They should not be manipulated
• How should contaminated sharps be disposed of?

  In a puncture-resistant container
• What must be labeled on the sharps container?

  Universal biohazard symbol
• What procedures must be performed to prevent splashing or spraying of specimens?

  Use barriers or protective eyewear
• What must be provided to workers for safety?

  Personal protective clothing and equipment
• How should phlebotomy trays be labeled?

  Indicate potentially infectious materials
• What should specimens be placed into for transport?

  Secondary container, biohazard-labeled bag
• What must be done when equipment becomes visibly contaminated?

  It must be decontaminated
• What type of material should outer coverings be made of?

  Fluid-resistant material
• What should be done if personal protective equipment is contaminated?

  Remove and treat as infectious material
• What should gloves be worn for?

  When contact with blood or body fluids exists
• When should gloves be changed?

  After each patient contact or visible contamination
• What should not be done with gloves?

  They should not be washed or reused
• When should eyewear be used in the laboratory?

  When there is potential for aerosol mists or splashes
• What should be done to work surfaces after procedures?

  They should be cleaned to prevent contamination
• What solution should be used to disinfect working areas?

  10% Sodium hypochlorite solution
• How often must the disinfectant solution be made fresh?

  Daily
• What should be labeled on the disinfectant container?

  Name, date, time prepared, expiration
• What should be done before and after each shift?

  Disinfection of work areas
• What is necessary for fire safety in the laboratory?

  A good fire safety/prevention plan
• What should be enforced to prevent fire hazards?

  No-smoking policy
• How far apart should fire extinguishers be placed?

  Every 75 feet
• What type of fires does an ABC extinguisher handle?

  Type A, B, and C fires
• What should be tested every 3 months for fire safety?

  Fire detection and suppression systems
• What should be included in a fire response plan?

  Written fire prevention and response procedures
• What should be conducted to ensure routine fire response?

  Fire drills
• How should flammable chemicals be stored?

  In approved safety cans or cabinets
• What should be done with alcohol and flammable chemicals?

  Store at least 5 feet away from heat sources
• What should be available every 100 feet in hazardous areas?

  Safety showers and eye wash stations
• What should be used to clean microscope objectives?

  Alcohol-based solvents
• What should not be permitted when working with certain solvents?

  Wearing contact lenses
• What should be included in chemical safety procedures?

  Spill response procedures
• What are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) used for?

  Provide information on chemicals
• What must electrical equipment be to prevent hazards?

  Grounded or double insulated