ISAC Laboratory Safety and Procedures 2

Question 1

When working with fixed cell samples in flow cytometry, which fixative poses the greatest inhalation risk requiring use in a chemical fume hood?

Accepted Answer

Paraformaldehyde

Answer

Paraformaldehyde releases formaldehyde vapors, a known carcinogen, requiring mandatory fume hood use during fixation procedures.

Question 2

A cytometry lab receives a new fluorochrome-conjugated antibody with the GHS flammable liquid pictogram. What is the minimum storage precaution required?

Accepted Answer

Store away from ignition sources in a flammable materials cabinet

Answer

Flammable liquids bearing GHS Category 1-3 labels must be stored in approved flammable materials cabinets away from ignition sources.

Question 3

Which biosafety level (BSL) is required to process unfixed specimens from HIV-positive patients on a flow cytometer?

Accepted Answer

BSL-2

Answer

HIV-positive patient specimens are classified as BSL-2 agents, requiring standard precautions, PPE, and BSC use for aerosol-generating procedures.

Question 4

During a flow cytometry run, the sheath fluid line develops a small leak. What is the FIRST action the operator should take?

Accepted Answer

Immediately shut down the instrument and don full PPE before investigating

Answer

Any instrument leak involving sheath fluid that has contacted biological samples requires immediate shutdown and PPE donning before investigation to prevent exposure.

Question 5

What is the correct order for removing PPE after handling BSL-2 flow cytometry samples?

Accepted Answer

Gloves → gown → mask → eye protection → hand hygiene

Answer

CDC guidelines specify removing gloves first (most contaminated), then gown, then face/eye protection, with hand hygiene performed last.

(ISAC) International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry Practice Test

(ISAC) International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry Practice Test

ISAC Laboratory Safety and Procedures 2