ASCP Laboratory Safety and Quality Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde established by OSHA?
- 5 ppm (8-hour TWA)
- 0.75 ppm (8-hour TWA) (Correct answer)
- 2 ppm (8-hour TWA)
- 0.1 ppm (8-hour TWA)
Correct answer: 0.75 ppm (8-hour TWA)
OSHA sets the PEL for formaldehyde at 0.75 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average, with a 2 ppm short-term exposure limit.
Question 2: When should an autoclave (steam sterilization) be used in the histology laboratory?
- To sterilize paraffin blocks before sectioning
- To decontaminate biohazardous waste and instruments (Correct answer)
- To dry processed tissue sections
- To clear sections in preparation for staining
Correct answer: To decontaminate biohazardous waste and instruments
Autoclaving uses pressurized steam to sterilize biohazardous waste, contaminated instruments, and materials before disposal or reuse.
Question 3: What does a reagent QC failure on a negative control indicate?
- The positive control worked correctly
- Non-specific or background staining is present, suggesting a reagent or protocol problem (Correct answer)
- The staining run can be reported as valid
- Tissue autolysis occurred
Correct answer: Non-specific or background staining is present, suggesting a reagent or protocol problem
A positive signal on a negative control means non-specific staining is occurring, which could lead to false-positive results in patient samples.
Question 4: In the context of laboratory safety, what is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
- To record patient demographics
- To provide comprehensive hazard, handling, storage, and emergency information for chemical substances (Correct answer)
- To document equipment maintenance
- To track reagent expiration dates
Correct answer: To provide comprehensive hazard, handling, storage, and emergency information for chemical substances
SDS (formerly MSDS) documents provide detailed chemical hazard information including toxicity, flammability, PPE requirements, and spill/exposure procedures.
Question 5: What is the minimum required documentation for each H&E staining run in an accredited laboratory?
- No documentation required
- Reagent lot numbers, dates, technician ID, and control results (Correct answer)
- Patient name only
- Staining time and temperature only
Correct answer: Reagent lot numbers, dates, technician ID, and control results
Accreditation standards require each staining run to be documented with reagent lot numbers, preparation/expiration dates, technician identification, and control staining results.
Question 6: What action should be taken if a microtome blade injury occurs in the histology lab?
- Continue working and report at the end of shift
- Immediately wash the wound, report to supervisor, and follow the exposure control plan (Correct answer)
- Apply a bandage and document later
- Only report if bleeding is severe
Correct answer: Immediately wash the wound, report to supervisor, and follow the exposure control plan
Any sharps injury must be immediately addressed by washing with soap and water, reporting to a supervisor, and following the facility's bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan.
ASCP Laboratory Safety and Quality Control 2
What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde established by OSHA?