Safety & Infection Control Flashcards
7 cards from real MLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety & Infection Control flashcards as text
A laboratory scientist accidentally ingests a small amount of a chemical while pipetting. The FIRST resource to consult for emergency guidance is:
Answer: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical
The SDS contains first-aid measures specific to the chemical and should be the immediate reference; however, in life-threatening situations, poison control is called simultaneously.
Which of the following is the PRIMARY route of transmission for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the clinical laboratory?
Answer: Airborne (aerosol)
M. tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei (<5 µm) that can remain suspended in air, requiring N95 respirators and negative-pressure rooms.
A laboratory scientist discovers a mercury thermometer has broken and spilled in the chemistry section. The correct response is to:
Answer: Evacuate the area and use a mercury spill kit according to policy
Mercury requires a specialized spill kit; vacuuming aerosolizes it and bleach does not neutralize it — the area must be evacuated and the kit used per policy.
Which respiratory protection device is the minimum required when working with Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures on an open bench?
Answer: N95 filtering facepiece respirator
An N95 respirator filters ≥95% of airborne particles and is the minimum required by CDC and OSHA for M. tuberculosis exposure.
Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) are MOST commonly associated with which exposure route?
Answer: Inoculation via needlestick or sharp injury
Historically, needlestick and sharps injuries are the most frequently documented cause of laboratory-acquired infections.
When decontaminating a biosafety cabinet at the end of the workday, the appropriate disinfectant and technique is to:
Answer: Wipe all interior surfaces with an appropriate disinfectant and run the blower 5 minutes before turning off the UV light
Interior surfaces should be wiped with an appropriate disinfectant (e.g., 70% ethanol or 10% bleach), and the blower should run briefly to clear residual aerosols before final shut-off.
The RACE acronym used during a laboratory fire emergency stands for:
Answer: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish
RACE stands for Rescue (anyone in immediate danger), Alarm (pull the fire alarm), Contain (close doors), and Extinguish (if safe to do so).