HIVAIDS Precautions – Laboratories – Fact Sheet

WHAT IS ANTHRAX AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

Consider blood and body fluids from all patients as infective. Refer to Routine Practices for preventing transmission of bloodborne infectious diseases.

Report immediately suspect fluid exposure, or a needlestick or sharp injury to a designated person or health care professional.

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
if there is potential for splashing

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 being infected.
Use puncture-resistant containers. Label containers – for example “CAUTION: WASTE SHARPS”.
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 LABORATORY MATERIALS AND SURFACES?

Laboratory surfaces should be decontaminated:

After a spill of blood or body fluid. Disinfect with a medical grade disinfectant.
Before reprocessing contaminated material used in lab tests.
When work activities have been completed.

HOW SHOULD I DISPOSE AND TRANSPORT CONTAMINATED LABORATORY TEST MATERIAL?

Place contaminated laboratory 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 laboratory form.
Place container in a clear, impervious plastic bag.