28
Appendix A: Safety Information
Protecting Yourself from Biohazards
This information summarizes the established guidelines for handling
laboratory biohazards. This summary is based on the guidelines developed
by the Centers for Disease Control, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards
Institute, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Use this summary for general information only. It is not intended to replace
or supplement your laboratory or hospital biohazard control procedures.
By definition, a biohazardous condition is a situation involving infectious
agents biological in nature, such as the hepatitis B virus, the human
immunodeficiency virus, and the tuberculosis bacterium. These infectious
agents may be present in human blood and blood products and in other
body fluids.
The following are the major sources of contamination when handling
potentially infectious agents:
-needlesticks
-hand-to-mouth contact
-hand-to-eye contact
-direct contact with superficial cuta, open wounds, and other skin
conditions that may permit adsorption into subcutaneous skin layers
-splashes or aerosol contact with skin and eyes
To prevent accidental contamination in a clinical laboratory, strictly adhere
to the following procedures:
