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AIDS Precautions - Laboratories |
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OSH
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What should I know when employed in a laboratory? Consider blood and body fluids from all patients as infective. Refer to "Universal Precautions" for preventing transmission of bloodborne infectious diseases. - Report immediately a needlestick or sharp injury to a designated person because if post-exposure chemoprophylaxis is to be implemented, it should begin preferably within 1 to 2 hours after exposure.
What personal protection should I wear? Wear gloves: - when processing blood or body fluid specimens
- when handling contaminated articles
- during cleaning and decontamination procedures
Change gloves after processing specimen. Wear gowns: - while working with potentially infectious material
Wear masks and protective eye wear: - if mucous membrane contact is likely
Remove protective clothing before leaving laboratory. Wash hands: - after processing specimens
- after completing laboratory activities
- after removing protective clothing
- after a glove tear or suspected glove leak
- before leaving laboratory
Do not pipette by mouth.
What precautions should I follow when working with needles and sharps? - Use needles only when there is no alternative. Consider needles and sharp instruments as potentially infective.
- Use puncture-resistant containers. Label containers.
- Clean and sterilize reusable syringes before reusing.
- Do not recap, bend, break or remove needles by hand from disposable syringes or otherwise handle after use.
When should I decontaminate lab materials and surfaces? Laboratory surfaces should be decontaminated: - After a spill of blood or body fluid. Disinfect with a 1:100-1:10 dilution of household bleach in water.
- Before reprocessing contaminated material used in lab tests.
- When work activities have been completed.
How should I dispose and transport contaminated lab test material? - Place contaminated lab test material in bags and dispose according to policy for infectious waste.
- Put specimen into a sturdy container with secure lid to prevent leaking.
- Avoid contaminating outside of container and accompanying lab form.
- Place container in a clear, impervious plastic bag.
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Document last updated on May 23, 2000
Copyright ©1997-2006 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
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