Biorisk and biosecurity management protects lab workers and the communities they work in from the unintended, or intended, release of biological agents. The importance of this cannot be overstated, given the unknowns clinical lab workers face when testing patient samples and other materials.
If your lab or clinic hasn’t done so already, it will have to review its supply, storage, and placement of alcohol-based hand rub and sanitizers, says Dan Scungio, MT(ASCP), SLS, a laboratory safety officer for multihospital system Sentara Healthcare in Virginia.
As a lab safety professional, it can be frustrating to see safety issues go unattended, especially after they have been reported. The apparent roadblocks to solutions may be a lack of funds, busy or disinterested leadership, or even a poor culture of safety. There are steps you can take, however...
Remember to update your facility’s list of hazardous chemicals and materials at least annually, possibly more often depending on your state and local regulations.
Pete began his shift in the hematology department. He liked to use the counter-mounted safety shield when opening specimens because he didn’t like to wear goggles over his eyeglasses. When it was time to read differential slides, he knew he couldn’t look into the microscope with his glasses on,...
Be prepared for COVID-19 cases to increase in number and potentially severity if the general public becomes too lax in vaccination, testing, and using precautions once the public health emergency (PHE) officially ends on May 11.
You can have clutter in your bedroom, your car, or your home closet, but you can’t have it in your laboratory. Hazardous chemicals can’t be stored above eye level, boxes can’t block exits, combustibles should be kept away from heat sources. Everything in a lab has a proper place, and lab workers...