Laboratory safety

• Exposure to blood and body fluids is the most common risk associated in hematology laboratory.
• Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms present in blood causing infection or diseases.
• OSHA provides standards to maintain a safe work environment.
• Discarded materials should be placed in robust plastic bags which should then be sealed and sent to a designated incinerator for disposal.
• Re-usable glassware and plastic items should be placed in a bucket with 2.5% hypochlorite.
• The pipette should be soaked in 2.5% hypochlorite for 30-60 mins, washed and dried.
• Inside the laboratory, OSHA standards include handwashing, food, drink, and medications not allowed, applying cosmetics is prohibited, fomites or any surfaces must be kept away from the mouth and all mucous membranes, contaminated sharps must be disposed of properly, personal protective equipment must be worn at all times following the proper donning, and equipment should be checked and maintained.
• A fire hazard in the hematology laboratory can be mitigated by enforcing a no-smoking policy, placing fire extinguishers every 75 feet, checking and maintaining them monthly, and testing them annually, placing a fire detection system and manual fire alarm near exit doors which is less than 200 ft away and should be tested every three months, and having written fire prevention and response procedures and fire drills.
• A chemical hazard in the hematology laboratory can be mitigated by labelling all chemicals properly, following handling, and storage requirements, using adequate ventilation, including spill response procedures in safety procedures, and having MSDS available and reviewed by lab personnel.
• An electrical hazard in the hematology laboratory can be mitigated by using adapters, gang plugs, and extension cords, not stepping on cords, and rolling heavy equipment over cords, and unplugging electrical equipment before repair or adjustment.
• A needle puncture hazard in the hematology laboratory can be mitigated by using puncture-proof containers, replacing them once the container is ¾ full, and having an emergency management plan.
• SOP maintains the optimal quality of performance in the laboratory.
• SOP – Standard Operating Procedure ( SOP) is an essential part of good laboratory practice.
• SOP ensures consistent quality of work with an appropriate quality assurance program.
• Structure of an SOP includes Title Page, Scope, Specimen Requirements, Specimen Reception, Safety Precautions, Equipment and reagent, Procedure, Quality control procedures, Maintenance, Limitation, Reporting Result, Specimen Post Test, and Clinical Significance.
• Waste Disposal and Cleaning of Equipment includes placing disposable glass and needles in a special bin for disposal without further handling.
• SOPs should be prepared for every analytic test undertaken and for all significant activities related to the practice of laboratory.
• Calibration and control of basic blood cell counter is a part of Hematology SOP.
• Test procedures include preparation of specimen collection, specimen storage, lab safety, data processing, and handling urgent request.
• Blood Safety and Clinical Technology SOP – Standard Operating Procedure ( SOP) is a written standard procedure that has been approved by the person in charge.
• The Prothrombin Time is a part of SOP.
• Recovery is a procedure to assess damage, evaluate response, and replenish supplies so that the laboratory can return to normal operation.
• Precautions during specimen handling include wearing a plastic apron over the coat, wearing visor or glasses when there is a risk of splashing or aerosol spray, mouth pipetting is forbidden at all times, and cleaning up breakages or spillage using 10 % hypochlorite.
• SOP provides guidance for solving problems.
• Quality assurance in Hematology is a part of SOP.
• Calibration and maintenance of semi-automated hematology equipment is a part of SOP.
• Mitigation: measures to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of theemergency.
• Preparedness: design of procedures, identification of resources thatmay be used, and training in the procedures
• Response: actions that will be taken when responding to the emergen