Infection Control & Safety Standards Flashcards

What should a phlebotomist do immediately after sustaining a needlestick from a used needle?

Answer: Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water

The site should be washed with soap and water right away, followed by prompt reporting and post-exposure evaluation.

Which OSHA regulation is the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.1030

29 CFR 1910.1030 is the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard; 1910.1200 is Hazard Communication and 1910.134 is Respiratory Protection.

When should a sharps disposal container be replaced?

Answer: When three-quarters full or at the fill line

Sharps containers should be closed and replaced at the fill line, about three-quarters full, to prevent overfill injuries.

Under OSHA, when must an employer offer the hepatitis B vaccine to an employee with occupational exposure risk?

Answer: Within 10 working days of initial assignment at no cost

OSHA requires the hepatitis B vaccine series be offered free within 10 working days of initial assignment.

In what year was the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act signed into law?

Answer: 2000

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000 required employers to use safer sharps devices and involve frontline workers in selecting them.

How often must an employer's Exposure Control Plan be reviewed and updated under OSHA?

Answer: At least annually

OSHA requires the Exposure Control Plan to be reviewed and updated at least once a year.

What is the proper way to handle a used venipuncture needle after withdrawing it from the arm?

Answer: Activate the safety device and discard it immediately into a sharps container

Safety devices should be activated immediately and the needle placed directly into a sharps container without recapping or bending.