By Arushi Trivedi on 27 Jul 2022
5 mins read
The eyes see only what the mind knows.
After completing DMLT Course, working MLTs cannot be safe from hazards and accidents until they are aware of them. They are always at a risk of acquiring infections through the use of contaminated or infected equipment or chemicals or wrong handling of samples or equipment.
All laboratories have a common set of laboratory safety rules which are updated or improved as per the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) requirements.
MLTs are advised to follow these laboratory safety rules.
These lab safety guidelines mainly comprise basic common-sense rules, safety equipment, proper signage, and safe use of laboratory equipment in case of emergencies.
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The working professionals must wash their hands properly after leaving the lab. There are 9 steps of hand hygiene:
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Special precautions should be taken when handling samples coming from patients suffering from infectious or transmissible diseases like HIV- AIDS, Hepatitis, and others. The person must be wearing the required PPE or Personal Protective Equipments example, eyewear, gloves, mask, etc., and apart from that, the storage and collection of the samples should also be done very carefully in sealed containers, and the person must follow the hand hygiene steps before and after handling the samples.
Each laboratory personnel should make sure that the instruments they are using are completely clean and sterile i.e. free of infections, MLTs are supposed to disinfect every instrument before use. These instruments must be kept on sterile surfaces at all times and must be cleaned thoroughly if they are usable. For instruments such as needles that cannot be reused, the disposal should be proper to prevent any contamination.
Each laboratory should follow some standard precautions/ protocols when handling blood, body substances, excretions and secretions these SP’s include:
The foremost reason for lab safety education lies in the fact that laboratories are filled with dangerous tools and the professionals like MLTs have to keep themselves and others safe while performing any experiment or procedure.
The need for mandatory workplace-specific training is further augmented by the emergence of highly infectious diseases.
Just a little care and knowledge helps avoid major mishaps.
A career in laboratory technology thus can be exciting, challenging and rewarding, all at the same time.'
Virohan institute of health and management sciences offers programs in most of the paramedical sciences like medical laboratory technology, operation theatre technology, and hospital administration.
Why do we need to follow safety rules?
When working inside a laboratory it is important to follow precautions as a medical lab technician may be exposed to a lot of samples that contain infections, if not handled properly may contaminate the environment. Hence following safety rules would lead to a safe environment and avoid the spread of infections.
What are the 3 most important safety rules to follow in a laboratory?
What are the Do’s and Don’ts in a laboratory?
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Wear lab coats | Eat or drink in the laboratory |
| Protective eyewear | Leave sharp objects lying around |
| Wear mask | Pipette anything by mouth |
| Sterilize equipments before and after use | Pour chemicals back into dispensing containers |
