// Diseases, Disorders, Injuries

HIV/AIDS Precautions - Laboratories

What should I know when employed in a laboratory? Consider blood and body fluids from all patients as infective.

hand protection

What should I know when employed in a laboratory?

requirement Consider blood and body fluids from all patients as infective. Refer to Routine Practices for preventing transmission of bloodborne infectious diseases.
administrative Report immediately to a designated person or health care professional any suspected fluid exposure or a needlestick or sharp injury.
requirement Please also see the OSH Answers documents HIV/AIDS in the Workplace and Needlestick and Sharps Injuries for more information.

What personal protection should I wear?

Wear gloves: Change gloves after processing a specimen. Wear gowns while working with potentially infectious material. Wear masks and protective eyewear: Remove protective clothing before leaving the laboratory. Wash hands: Do not pipette by mouth. Please also see the OSH Answers document Personal Protective Equipment for more information.

requirement when processing blood or body fluid specimens
requirement when handling contaminated articles
administrative during cleaning and decontamination procedures
requirement if mucous membrane contact is likely
requirement if there is potential for splashing
requirement after processing specimens
requirement after completing laboratory activities
ppe after removing protective clothing
ppe after a glove tear or suspected glove leak
requirement before leaving laboratory

What precautions should I follow when working with needles and sharps?

context Use needles only when there is no alternative. Consider needles and sharp instruments as being infected.
context Use puncture-resistant containers. Label containers – for example "CAUTION: WASTE SHARPS".
context Clean and sterilize reusable syringes before reusing them.
context Do not recap, bend, break or remove needles by hand from disposable syringes or otherwise handle after use.
context Familiarize yourself with the type(s) of needles used in your workplace
context Dispose of sharps containers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace and seal the existing sharps disposal container closed when about three-fourths (3/4) full or at the max fill line,indicating the container is full.
context Do not open, empty, or manually clean full sharps disposal containers.

When should I decontaminate laboratory materials and surfaces?

Laboratory surfaces should be decontaminated:

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

How should I dispose of and transport contaminated laboratory test material?

administrative Place contaminated laboratory test material in bags and dispose according to the policy for infectious waste.
requirement Put the specimen into a sturdy container with a secure lid to prevent leaking.
requirement Avoid contaminating the outside of the container and accompanying laboratory form.
requirement Place the container in a clear, impervious plastic bag.