CLT Laboratory Safety & Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A laboratory technologist accidentally splashes a chemical into their eyes. What is the first and most critical action?
- Notify the supervisor immediately
- Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply eye drops from the first aid kit
- Identify the chemical using the SDS before treatment
Correct answer: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes
Immediate eye irrigation with water for a minimum of 15 minutes is the first and most critical response to a chemical eye splash to dilute and remove the substance.
Question 2: Under CLIA regulations, which quality system component ensures that test results are accurately reported to the ordering provider?
- Pre-analytical phase
- Analytical phase
- Post-analytical phase (Correct answer)
- Quality control phase
Correct answer: Post-analytical phase
The post-analytical phase encompasses result reporting, transmission, and communication to ordering providers, ensuring accurate delivery of laboratory findings.
Question 3: What is the correct procedure when a laboratory employee is exposed to a bloodborne pathogen through a needlestick?
- Apply antiseptic and return to work
- Wash the wound, report to supervisor, and seek medical evaluation (Correct answer)
- Bandage the wound and complete an incident report at the end of the shift
- Quarantine the employee for 24 hours
Correct answer: Wash the wound, report to supervisor, and seek medical evaluation
An immediate response to needlestick exposure includes washing the wound thoroughly, reporting to a supervisor, and seeking prompt medical evaluation for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Question 4: Which international symbol on a chemical label indicates an acute toxic hazard?
- Flame symbol
- Exclamation mark
- Skull and crossbones (Correct answer)
- Health hazard (silhouette with starburst)
Correct answer: Skull and crossbones
The skull and crossbones GHS pictogram indicates acute toxicity (fatal or toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in skin contact).
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of an administrative control in a clinical laboratory?
- Installing a biosafety cabinet
- Using self-sheathing needles
- Implementing a no-eating policy in the lab (Correct answer)
- Wearing gloves when handling specimens
Correct answer: Implementing a no-eating policy in the lab
Administrative controls are policies and procedures that change how work is performed, such as prohibiting eating and drinking in laboratory areas.
Question 6: The RACE acronym used in fire emergency response stands for:
- Run, Alert, Contain, Evacuate
- Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish (Correct answer)
- Remove, Assess, Call, Escape
- Report, Activate, Confine, Exit
Correct answer: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish
RACE stands for Rescue (anyone in immediate danger), Alarm (activate fire alarm), Contain (close doors), and Extinguish (use extinguisher if safe).
Question 7: Under HIPAA, which of the following constitutes Protected Health Information (PHI) that must be safeguarded in the laboratory?
- De-identified statistical data from lab quality reports
- Patient name combined with laboratory test results (Correct answer)
- General information about test methodology
- Annual laboratory accreditation reports
Correct answer: Patient name combined with laboratory test results
PHI includes any individually identifiable health information, such as a patient name combined with their specific laboratory test results.
CLT Laboratory Safety & Compliance 3
A laboratory technologist accidentally splashes a chemical into their eyes.
What is the first and most critical action?