Appendix H: Safety Information - Siemens CLINITEK Status Operator's Manual

10 Appendices

Appendix H: Safety Information

Appendix H: Safety Information
Protecting Yourself from
Biohazards
This information summarizes the
established guidelines for handling
laboratory biohazards. This
summary is based on the
guidelines developed by the
Centers for Disease Control, the
Clinical and Laboratory Standards
Institute, and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration.
Use this summary for general
information only. It is not intended
to replace or supplement your
laboratory or hospital biohazard
control procedures.
By definition, a biohazardous
condition is a situation involving
infectious agents biological in
nature, such as the hepatitis B
virus, the human immunodeficiency
virus, and the tuberculosis
bacterium. These infectious agents
may be present in human blood
and blood products and in other
body fluids.
The following are the major sources
of contamination when handling
potentially infectious agents:
needlesticks
hand-to-mouth contact
hand-to-eye contact
10-20
direct contact with superficial
cuts, open wounds, and
other skin conditions that
may permit absorption into
subcutaneous skin layers
splashes or aerosol contact
with skin and eyes
To prevent accidental
contamination in a clinical
laboratory, strictly adhere to the
following procedures:
Wear gloves while servicing
parts of the system that have
contact with body fluids such
as serum, plasma, urine, or
whole blood.
Wash your hands before
going from a contaminated
area to a noncontaminated
area, or when you remove or
change gloves.
Perform procedures carefully
to minimize aerosol
formation.
Wear facial protection when
splatter or aerosol formation
are possible.
Wear personal protective
equipment such as safety
glasses, gloves, lab coats or
aprons when working with
possible biohazard
contaminants.