CMLA REE CMLA Laboratory Safety & Procedures 5

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of using 70% isopropyl alcohol rather than 100% for surface disinfection?

Accepted Answer

The water in 70% solutions allows longer contact time and better protein denaturation

Answer

The water component in 70% isopropyl alcohol slows evaporation and enhances protein coagulation in microbial cells, making it more effective as a disinfectant.

Question 2

A laboratory receives a specimen with a cracked tube and no secondary containment. The FIRST step is to:

Accepted Answer

Don appropriate PPE before handling the package

Answer

PPE must be donned before handling any potentially contaminated or damaged specimen to protect the worker from exposure.

Question 3

Which type of laboratory waste requires incineration or autoclaving before disposal?

Accepted Answer

Biohazardous cultures and stocks of infectious agents

Answer

Cultures and stocks of infectious agents must be decontaminated by autoclaving or incineration prior to disposal per federal and state regulations.

Question 4

What does 'universal precautions' require laboratory personnel to assume about all patient specimens?

Accepted Answer

All blood and body fluid specimens are potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis

Answer

Universal precautions mandate treating all human blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious, eliminating reliance on patient diagnosis for risk assessment.

Question 5

Which action should be taken when a laboratory worker's lab coat becomes heavily contaminated with blood?

Accepted Answer

Remove the coat immediately and place it in a biohazard laundry bag

Answer

Heavily contaminated PPE must be removed immediately and handled as biohazardous laundry to prevent exposure and cross-contamination.

(CMLA) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice Test

(CMLA) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice Test

CMLA REE CMLA Laboratory Safety & Procedures 5