12. Laboratory techniques
12. Laboratory techniques
Human error, poor laboratory techniques and misuse of equipment cause the majority of laboratory injuries and work-related infections. This chapter provides a compendium of technical methods that are designed to avoid or minimize the most commonly reported problems of this nature
Human error, poor laboratory techniques and misuse of equipment cause the majority of laboratory injuries and work-related infections. This chapter provides a compendium of technical methods that are designed to avoid or minimize the most commonly reported problems of this nature
Safe handling of specimens in the laboratory Improper collection, transport and handling of specimens in the laboratory carry a risk of infection to the personnel involved
Safe handling of specimens in the laboratory Improper collection, transport and handling of specimens in the laboratory carry a risk of infection to the personnel involved
Specimen containers Specimen containers may be of glass or preferably plastic. They should be robust and should not leak when the cap or stopper is correctly applied. No material should remain on the outside of the container. Containers should be correctly la belled to facilitate identification. Specimen request or specification forms should not be wrapped around the containers but placed in separate, preferably waterproof envelopes
Specimen containers Specimen containers may be of glass or preferably plastic. They should be robust and should not leak when the cap or stopper is correctly applied. No material should remain on the outside of the container. Containers should be correctly labelled to facilitate identification. Specimen request or specification forms should not be wrapped around the containers but placed in separate, preferably waterproof envelopes
Transport of specimens within the facility To avoid accidental leakage or spillage, secondary containers such as boxes should be used, fitted with racks so that the specimen containers remain upright. The secondary containers may be of metal or plastic, should be autoclavable or resistant to the action of chemical disinfectants, and the seal should preferably have a gasket. They should be regularly decontaminated
Transport of specimens within the facility To avoid accidental leakage or spillage, secondary containers, such as boxes, should be used, fitted with racks so that the specimen containers remain upright. The secondary containers may be of metal or plastic, should be autoclavable or resistant to the action of chemical disinfectants, and the seal should preferably have a gasket. They should be regularly decontaminated