Analyticon Urilyzer 100 Pro - Page 84

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Appendices
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14.4.1 Protecting yourself from biohazards
This information summarizes the established guidelines for handling laboratory
biohazards. Use this summary for general information only. It is not intended
to replace or supplement your laboratory or hospital biohazard control proce-
dures.
Urine specimens should be handled at Biosafety Level 2 as recommended for
any potentially infectious material in the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-
tion manual, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 2009*).
Universal (or standard) precautions may apply if the urine is contaminated with
blood or if required by the infection control policy of your facility.
To prevent accidental contamination in a clinical laboratory, strictly adhere to the
following procedures:
• Wearglovestoprotecthandsfromexposuretohazardousmaterials.Change
gloves when contaminated, glove integrity is compromised, or when other-
wise necessary. Do not wash or reuse disposable gloves.
• Removeglovesandwashyourhandsafterworkingwithpotentiallyhazardous
materials and before leaving the laboratory.
• Wear personal protective laboratory equipment, such as coats, gowns,
smocks, or uniforms when working with possible hazardous contaminants.
Remove protective clothing before leaving for non-laboratory areas
• Weareyeand faceprotectionwhensplatter oraerosolformationarepossi-
ble.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, handle contact lenses, apply cosmetics or store
food while in the laboratory.
• Donotmouthpipetanyliquid;onlyusemechanicalpipettingdevices.
• Alwayshandlesharpitemswithprecautions.
• Perform procedures carefully to minimize the creation of splashes or aero-
sols.
• Decontaminateworksurfacesaftercompletionofworkandafteranyspillor
splash of potentially infectious material with appropriate disinfectant.
• Disposeofcontaminatedmaterialsincludingusedpersonalprotectiveequip-
ment according to your laboratory’s biohazard control procedures. Potentially
infectious materials must be placed in a durable, leak proof container during
collection, handling, processing, storage, or transport within a facility.
• The laboratory supervisor must ensure that laboratory personnel receive
appropriate training regarding their duties, the necessary precautions to
prevent exposures, and exposure evaluation procedures.
*) http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/