Medical Laboratory Technician Exam Medical Laboratory Technician Laboratory Operations and Safety 1

Question 1

Which color-coded biohazard bag is universally used in clinical laboratories for the disposal of regulated medical waste that may contain bloodborne pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Red or orange bag with the biohazard symbol

Answer

Red or orange bags bearing the biohazard symbol are required by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) for disposal of regulated medical waste such as contaminated gloves, gauze, and culture materials that may contain bloodborne pathogens.

Question 2

A laboratory employee accidentally splashes an unknown chemical reagent into their eyes. What is the immediate first action that should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Flush the eyes at the eyewash station with water for at least 15 minutes

Answer

Immediate, continuous flushing of the eyes with water for a minimum of 15 minutes at an eyewash station is the correct first response to a chemical eye splash. Delaying action to consult an SDS or await instructions can worsen injury.

Question 3

Which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for a Class B fire involving flammable liquids such as ethanol or acetone in a laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Class ABC dry chemical or Class BC carbon dioxide extinguisher

Answer

Class B fires involve flammable liquids. A Class ABC dry chemical extinguisher or a Class BC carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguisher are appropriate for these fires. A water extinguisher (Class A) can spread flammable liquids, and a Class D extinguisher is reserved for combustible metals.

Question 4

In a clinical laboratory, the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requires that chemical containers be labeled with which standardized pictogram to indicate an acute toxic hazard?

Accepted Answer

Skull and crossbones

Answer

Under the GHS (adopted by OSHA as the Hazard Communication Standard), the skull and crossbones pictogram indicates acute toxicity (Categories 1–3), warning of substances that are fatal or toxic in small quantities. The exclamation mark is used for lower-level hazards such as skin or eye irritants.

Question 5

A laboratory technician prepares to centrifuge a sample and notices a small crack in the centrifuge tube. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Replace the cracked tube with an intact tube before centrifuging

Answer

A cracked centrifuge tube must be discarded and replaced before use. Centrifugation generates enormous mechanical forces; a cracked tube can shatter, creating an aerosol of potentially infectious or hazardous material and damaging the centrifuge rotor.

Medical Laboratory Technician Exam Practice Test

Medical Laboratory Technician Exam Practice Test

Medical Laboratory Technician Exam Medical Laboratory Technician Laboratory Operations and Safety 1