Siemens DCA Vantage, Operator'S Manual, Page: 167 / 214

DCA Vantage Operator’s Guide 167
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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 cuts, open wounds, and other skin conditions
that may permit absorption 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:
• Wear gloves while servicing parts of the system that have contact with
body fluids such as serum, plasma, urine, or whole blood.
• Wash your hands before going from a contaminated area to a
noncontaminated area, or when you remove or change gloves.
• Perform procedures carefully to minimize aerosol formation.
• Wear facial protection when splatter or aerosol formation are possible.
• Wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, lab
coats or aprons when working with possible biohazard contaminants.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover all superficial cuts and wounds before starting any work.
• Dispose of contaminated materials according to your laboratory’s
biohazard control procedures.
• Keep your work area disinfected.