12. Laboratory techniques
12. Laboratory techniques
Human error, poor laboratory techniques and misuse of equipment cause the majority of laboratory injuries and work-related infections. This chapter provides a compendium of technical methods that are designed to avoid or minimize the most commonly reported problems of this nature
Human error, poor laboratory techniques and misuse of equipment cause the majority of laboratory injuries and work-related infections. This chapter provides a compendium of technical methods that are designed to avoid or minimize the most commonly reported problems of this nature
Safe handling of specimens in the laboratory Improper collection, transport and handling of specimens in the laboratory carry a risk of infection to the personnel involved
Safe handling of specimens in the laboratory Improper collection, transport and handling of specimens in the laboratory carry a risk of infection to the personnel involved
Specimen containers Specimen containers may be of glass or preferably plastic. They should be robust and should not leak when the cap or stopper is correctly applied. No material should remain on the outside of the container. Containers should be correctly la belled to facilitate identification. Specimen request or specification forms should not be wrapped around the containers but placed in separate, preferably waterproof envelopes
Specimen containers Specimen containers may be of glass or preferably plastic. They should be robust and should not leak when the cap or stopper is correctly applied. No material should remain on the outside of the container. Containers should be correctly labelled to facilitate identification. Specimen request or specification forms should not be wrapped around the containers but placed in separate, preferably waterproof envelopes
Transport of specimens within the facility To avoid accidental leakage or spillage, secondary containers such as boxes should be used, fitted with racks so that the specimen containers remain upright. The secondary containers may be of metal or plastic, should be autoclavable or resistant to the action of chemical disinfectants, and the seal should preferably have a gasket. They should be regularly decontaminated
Transport of specimens within the facility To avoid accidental leakage or spillage, secondary containers, such as boxes, should be used, fitted with racks so that the specimen containers remain upright. The secondary containers may be of metal or plastic, should be autoclavable or resistant to the action of chemical disinfectants, and the seal should preferably have a gasket. They should be regularly decontaminated
Receipt of specimens Laboratories that receive large numbers of specimens should designate a particular room or area for this purpose
Receipt of specimens Laboratories that receive large numbers of specimens should designate a particular room or area for this purpose
Opening packages Personnel who receive and unpack specimens should be aware of the potential health hazards involved and should be trained to adopt standard precautions(2), particularly when dealing with broken or leaking containers. Primary specimen containers should be opened in a biological safety cabinet. Disinfectants chould be available
Opening packages Personnel who receive and unpack specimens should be aware of the potential health hazards involved, and should be trained to adopt standard precautions (2), particularly when dealing with broken or leaking containers. Primary specimen containers should be opened in a biological safety cabinet. Disinfectants should be available
Use of pipettes and pipetting aids 1. a pipetting aid must always be used. Pipetting by mouth must be prohibited. 2. All pipettes should have cotton plugs to reduce contamination of pipetting devices. 3. Air should never be blown through a liquid containing infectious agents 4. Infectious materials should not be mixed by alternate suction and expulsion through
Use of pipettes and pipetting aids 1. A pipetting aid must always be used. Pipetting by mouth must be prohibited. 2. All pipettes should have cotton plugs to reduce contamination of pipetting devices. 3. Air should never be blown through a liquid containing infectious agents. 4. Infectious materials should not be mixed by alternate suction and expulsion through
5. Liquids should not be forcibly expelled from pipettes. 6. Mark-to-mark pipettes are preferable to other types as they do not require expulsion of the last drop 7. Contaminated pipettes should be completely submerged in a suitable disinfectant contained in an unbreakable container. They should be left in the disinfectant for the appropriate length of time before disposal 8. a discard container for pipettes should be placed within the biological safety cabinet, not outside it
5. Liquids should not be forcibly expelled from pipettes. 6. Mark-to-mark pipettes are preferable to other types as they do not require expulsion of the last drop. 7. Contaminated pipettes should be completely submerged in a suitable disinfectant contained in an unbreakable container. They should be left in the disinfectant for the appropriate length of time before disposal. 8. A discard container for pipettes should be placed within the biological safety cabinet, not outside it
9. Syringes fitted with hypodermic needles must not be used for pipetting 10. Devices for opening septum-capped bottles that allow pipettes to be used and avoid the use of hypodermic needles and syringes should be used. 11. To avoid dispersion of infectious material dropped from a pipette, an absorbent material should be placed on the working surface, this should be disposed of as infectious waste after use
9. Syringes fitted with hypodermic needles must not be used for pipetting. 10. Devices for opening septum-capped bottles that allow pipettes to be used and avoid the use of hypodermic needles and syringes should be used. 11. To avoid dispersion of infectious material dropped from a pipette, an absorbent material should be placed on the working surface; this should be disposed of as infectious waste after use