ASCP Safety & Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first step a phlebotomist should take after experiencing a needlestick injury?
- Complete the current blood draw
- Immediately wash the site with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Apply a bandage and continue working
- File an incident report before doing anything else
Correct answer: Immediately wash the site with soap and water
The first step after a needlestick is to immediately wash the puncture site with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
After a needlestick, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do not squeeze the wound. Report immediately to your supervisor. Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV must be initiated within 72 hours (ideally within 2 hours). Baseline and follow-up testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV is required.
Question 2: Which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for a small electrical fire in a laboratory?
- Type A (water)
- Type B (foam)
- Type C (carbon dioxide or dry chemical) (Correct answer)
- Type D (dry powder for metals)
Correct answer: Type C (carbon dioxide or dry chemical)
Type C fire extinguishers use CO2 or dry chemical agents that do not conduct electricity, unlike water or foam.
Type C extinguishers are specifically for electrical fires and use agents that do not conduct electricity. Most laboratory extinguishers are ABC-rated (multipurpose dry chemical). The PASS technique (Pull pin, Aim at base, Squeeze handle, Sweep side to side) should be used.
Question 3: What does the acronym RACE stand for in fire safety?
- Remove, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish
- Run, Alert, Close, Evacuate
- Report, Assess, Control, Eliminate
- Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate
RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, and Extinguish/Evacuate.
RACE is the universal fire response acronym: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm (pull the nearest fire alarm), Confine (close doors/windows to prevent spread), and Extinguish/Evacuate (attempt to extinguish if small, otherwise evacuate). Never use elevators during a fire.
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) must a phlebotomist wear for ALL blood collection procedures?
- Gloves only (Correct answer)
- Gloves, gown, and face shield
- Gloves and goggles
- Gown and mask only
Correct answer: Gloves only
Gloves are the minimum PPE required for all blood collection procedures under Standard Precautions.
Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, gloves are the minimum required PPE for all phlebotomy procedures. Additional PPE is based on anticipated exposure: face shields for splashing risk, gowns for significant blood exposure. Gloves must be changed between patients and non-latex alternatives offered for allergies.
Question 5: A chemical spill occurs in the phlebotomy area. What is the first reference the phlebotomist should consult?
- The laboratory procedure manual
- The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical (Correct answer)
- The employee handbook
- The hospital fire plan
Correct answer: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical
The Safety Data Sheet provides specific information about the chemical's hazards, first aid measures, and proper cleanup procedures.
Safety Data Sheets (required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard) contain 16 standardized sections including first aid measures, accidental release measures, exposure controls/PPE, and handling/storage information. SDS documents must be readily accessible to all employees at all times.
Question 6: How should a phlebotomist properly dispose of a used lancet?
- In the regular trash with other bandage materials
- In a sharps container immediately after use (Correct answer)
- In a biohazard bag
- By recapping it and placing it in the medical waste
Correct answer: In a sharps container immediately after use
Used lancets are sharps and must be disposed of immediately in an approved sharps container.
Under OSHA regulations, all sharps must be disposed of immediately in puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps containers labeled with the biohazard symbol. Lancets must never be recapped, bent, or placed in regular trash. Sharps containers must be replaced when three-quarters full.
ASCP Safety & Infection Control 2
What is the first step a phlebotomist should take after experiencing a needlestick injury?