Holy Name University

Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

Lesson 1: Laboratory Hazards and Safety Classification of Hazard in the Laboratory:

Objectives: 1. PHYSICAL HAZARD

 Mechanical Hazard
After the activity, the students are expected to:
These are brought about by the material and equipment used in
 define laboratory hazards; the performance of the laboratory procedures such as broken,
 define the different classes of hazards in the laboratory; chipped, cracked, and leaking glassware as well as improper
 identify hazard symbols; handling and manipulation of the equipment utilized for the
 memorize the standard universal precaution for biohazard; experiment.
 enumerate the general laboratory safety guidelines: personal,
chemical, fire, electric, biological, mechanical, and others;  Electrical Hazard
 list all laboratory safety devices and explain the corresponding Risks commonly due to electricity supplying the equipment and
use; other materials used in the performance of the test procedures are
 outline important emergency procedures such as use of fire classified under electrical hazard. These include overloading of
extinguisher, handling chemical spills, and blood borne electrical circuits (e.g., series of extended connections), improperly
pathogens; labelled electrical sockets, chipped electrical wires connecting the
instrument; and those instruments not grounded or not regularly
maintained which will result to electrocution of the medical
Rationale: technologist or damage of the instrument.
Working in the laboratory presents many risks. These may affect the  Fire Hazard
medical technologist directly or indirectly. It is then important that
hazards be identified and known to the workers in order to avoid This is commonly encountered danger in the laboratory
accidents in the working area as well as determine the laboratory especially when handling biodegradable materials and volatile
safety measures to carry out to prevent contamination and chemical and gasses that are exposed to heat source or flame.
corresponding consequences. Example of these include a simple burning of hairs, laboratory
gowns, tissue paper, and even pages of the laboratory manual
which can be extinguish using the fire extinguisher. Thus, it is very
important that one should be familiar with the four classes of fire
and the corresponding extinguisher to use in case of emergency.
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

2. CHEMICAL HAZARD An irritant chemical is a substance that causes inflammation

upon contacts with skin or mucous membranes such excessive
A chemical is considered hazardous if it is determined to be
contact of xylene on the skin.
carcinogenic, toxic, corrosive, irritant, sensitizer, and flammable or
reactive and thereby poses a threat not only to the laboratory  ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD
worker but also to the environment where these are disposed of. A
These are substances that are harmful to the environment. They
material safety data sheet (MSDS) should accompany in the bottles
must be disposed properly, not washed down the drain. The
where chemicals are contained so that the workers will be guided a
most common is mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. Thus,
to the safety information of a particular chemical.
these should not be poured into the sink.
 FLAMMABLE
3. BIOLOGICAL HAZARD
A substance can be considered flammable if it will burn if
These are hazards brought about by living organisms
exposed to an open flame. Example is 70% ethyl alcohol.
(microorganisms) infecting and causing disease to humans and
 EXPLOSIVE animals. These are present in the specimens examined and tested in
the clinical laboratory such as blood, urine, sputum, exudates and
A chemical is regarded as explosive if it will explode if the
transudates, biopsy and autopsy. Bloodborne pathogen (e.g.,
exposed to heat or flame, e.g., LVN.
viruses- HIV, HBV, HCV, and parasites- Plasmodium spp., bacteria-
 TOXIC/ POISONOUS Treponema pallidum) is one of the major biological risks since
laboratory workers handle needles for blood collection. Hence,
A substance that can lead to death if inhaled, ingested, or Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) recommends that
absorbed by the skin is classified as poisonous or toxic chemical, laboratories provide written bloodborne and airborne (TB) safety
e.g., concentrated HCl and muriatic acid. policies. It strongly mandates that all laboratory workers must
 CORROSIVE observe the universal precaution to treat “all biological specimens
as potentially INFECTIOUS.”
A substance that can destroy or burn living tissue and can
eat at other materials is labelled a corrosive like concentrated
sulfuric acid.

 IRRITANT
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

LABORATORY SAFETY  Do not wear open toed shoes. (Sandals, shorts, midriff
bearing T-shirt, tank tops, and other similar apparel will
General Guidelines:
NOT be allowed).
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. No horse 4. Observe proper hand hygiene before and after working. Wash
playing! your hands after removing the latex gloves and before touching
2. Always follow laboratory receptor’s directions and only do lab door handles.
work when preceptor is present, unless told to do so. 5. Think about what you touched with gloved hands. Are you
3. Be prepared (familiarize yourself with the lab procedures prior potentially contaminating a surface?
to any laboratory activities). 6. Discard soiled counter liners.
4. Follow all written and oral instructions. 7. Disinfect countertops each day.
5. Perform only those activities assigned by the teacher. Never do 8. Use a biological safety hood if available. Note: If no biological
anything that is not called for by the laboratory preceptor. safety hood is available, use other protection when handling
6. Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials until body fluids.
told to do so. 9. Know where all the safety equipment is located and how to use
7. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the it in case it is needed.
laboratory. Do not use lab glassware as food beverage 10. Avoid sitting on the lab benches. Quite often they contain
containers. residues from spills, which may happen earlier. These spills can
8. Notify the teacher for any medical problems that may affect result in serious burns or damage to clothing.
laboratory work
9. Report ALL accidents to your laboratory preceptor
IMMEDIATELY, even if you think it is minor. Safety Procedures for Chemicals:

Personal Safety Procedures: 1. Review all the reagents used in the experiment before using
them and note their hazards and the precautions needed when
1. Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply make-up in the laboratory.
working with them. Know where the MSDS sheets are stored.
2. Keep work area clean and free of clutter.
2. Never directly smell any substance. If necessary, waft your
3. Wear appropriate PPE.
hands over the container, fanning the vapors toward your nose.
 Remove any loose garments (jewelry, etc.)
3. Do not fill pipettes by using your mouth for suction.
 Roll up or secure long sleeves
4. Do not return any unused chemicals on the original bottles to
 Tie back long hair (FLAMMABLE)
minimize risks of contamination.
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

5. All chemical spills should be cleaned up immediately with the 9. Eating and drinking is NOT allowed in the laboratory.
necessary precautions.
6. Any broken glassware should be disposed of in the broken glass B. Fire Prevention
only container. 1. Be aware of ignition sources in the laboratory area (heat
7. Clean your work area before you leave and make sure that sources, electrical equipment).
everything is shut off and/or unplugged. Wash your hands 2. Do not store liquids in standard refrigerators. Explosion-
before leaving. proof refrigerators are need for storage of flammable
8. Dispose of any chemicals used in the experiment following liquids.
proper directions from your laboratory preceptors. 3. Store flammable liquids in appropriate safety cabinets/
safety cans.
4. Make sure that all electrical cords are in good condition. All
A. Personal Safety electrical outlets should be grounded and should
1. Use fume hoods whenever possible when dispensing or accommodate 3-pronged plug.
pipetting dangerous chemicals.
2. Safety goggles/ glasses with side shields should be worn at C. Housekeeping
all times in the laboratory. 1. Eliminate safety hazards by maintaining laboratory work
3. Fluid resistant laboratory coats (buttoned up) will be worn areas in a good state of order.
at all times in the laboratory and removed when leaving the 2. Keep the laboratory floor dry at all times. Immediately
laboratory. attend to spills of chemicals/water.
4. Gloves will be worn when contact with blood and body
fluids is expected in the laboratory and removed when D. Emergency Procedures
leaving the laboratory. 1. In event of emergency, dial your emergency number. By
5. Wash hands before leaving the laboratory and after taking calling this number, a variety of emergency response of
of the gloves. emergency response departments can then be alerted to
6. Do not mouth pipette. your situation.
7. Avoid having long hair, loose sleeves/ cuffs, rings, bracelets, 2. Look at the names and the phone numbers of personnel to
etc., dangling in front of your eyes or outside your be contacted in an emergency and contact the appropriate
laboratory coat. personnel.
8. Do not apply cosmetics in the laboratory.
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

3. Be familiar with the location and use of the following safety F. Personal Protective Equipment
devices: 1. Eye protection: goggles
a. Safety shower 2. Protective clothing: Laboratory coat/ gown
b. Fire blanket a.) The laboratory coat is designed to protect the clothing
c. Eyewash station and skin from chemicals that may be spilled or splashed.
d. Fire alarm It should be worn buttoned up and with the sleeves
e. First aid kit extended to the wearer’s wrist.
f. Fume hood 3. Hand protection: gloves
g. Spill clean-up kit 4. Foot protection: close shoes
h. Fire extinguisher a.) Foot protection is designed to prevent injury from
corrosive chemicals with heavy objects. If a corrosive
chemical or heavy object were to fall on the floor, the
4. Clean up all small spills immediately. most vulnerable portion of the body would be the feet.
For this reason, shoes that COMPLETELY COVER AND
PROTECT the feet are worn in the laboratory.
E. Waste Collection
1. Dispose of all Bio-hazard substances in biohazard bags.
2. Dispose of swab wrappings, band aid wrappings, used paper G. Laboratory Safety Equipment
towels, kit boxes, and other non-biohazardous waste in 1. Laboratory chemical Fume hoods
regular trash bags.  Chemical fume hoods capture, contain and expel
3. Dispose of all used needles, pipettes, broken glass, and emissions generated by hazardous chemicals.
slides in plastic bio-hazardous sharps container. 2. Chemical storage cabinets
4. Dispose of all used tubes in Red biohazard bags.  Storage of flammable and corrosives in the
5. Dispose of all bacterial and fungal culture plates in Red laboratory should be limited to as small quantity as
biohazard bags. possible. They should be stored in ventilated
6. DO NOT throw non-biohazardous wastes into red biohazard cabinets.
bags.
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

3. Individual storage cabinets 5. Safety showers

 Selecting the best means of storage for chemical  Safety showers provide an effective means of
reagents well, to great extent depend on that treatment in the event that chemicals are spilled or
reagent’s compatibility with the container. A safety splashed onto the skin or clothing.
can is an approved container of no more than 5- 6. Fire safety equipment
gallon capacity. It has a spring- closing lid and a.) Alarms- are designed so that endangered personnel are
spouts cover, and is designed to safely relieve alerted.
pressure build up within the container.  All individuals should become familiar with the
EXACT LOCATION of the fire alarm stations nearest
to their laboratory.
4. Refrigerators b.) Extinguishers - Extinguishers are classified according to a
 Domestic refrigeration units are not appropriate for particular fire type and are given the same letter and
storing flammable materials. Laboratory symbol classification as that of the fire.
refrigerators are not appropriate for storing food
Type A- combustibles: wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and plastics
for consumption. Separate, labeled refrigerators are
used for storing food. Type B- flammable liquids: oil, grease and paint thinners

Type C- energized electrical equipment: electrophoresis

Use and Maintenance Type D- combustible metals: Magnesium, titanium, sodium, lithium
and potassium.
a. Each refrigerator and freezer units must be monitored daily to
ensure proper functioning.
b. Each refrigerator and freezer must be labeled: “No food or
Multipurpose extinguishers are highly recommended because they
beverages may be stored in this refrigerator.”
are an effective agent against Type A, B and C fires.
c. Containers placed in the refrigerator will be completely sealed
pr capped, securely placed and permanently labeled. Use caps
or paraffin to cover.

Wood, Paper,
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

Ordinary Cloth, Etc. HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

A Combustibles Remember the word PASS

P- Pull the pin: place your hand on the top of the cylinder and pull
Grease, Oil, the pin. This will unlock the handle and allow you to activate the

B Flammable Paint, unit.

Liquids Solvents A- Aim: point the nozzle of the hose at the base of the fire.

S- Squeeze: the handle: (lever) releasing the firefighting agent.

Electrical

C Live Electrical panel, Motor, S- Sweep: the nozzle from side to side over the fire. Keep the
Equipment Wiring, Etc. nozzle/hose directed at the base of the flame. Empty the fire
extinguisher onto the fire.

Magnesium,

D
Combustible Aluminum, 7. Fire blankets
Metal Etc. a.) Laboratory personnel are discouraged from using fire
blankets as a means to extinguish a fire.
Cooking oils, b.) Fire safety blankets should be used as a means to keep

K Commercial Animal fats, shock victims warm.

Cooking Vegetable oils
Equipment 8. Chemical spill clean-up kits
a.) Laboratories are equipped with clean- up kits for
various types of spills. Wear the appropriate personal
protective equipment (i.e., gloves, goggles) when
cleaning up spills.

b.) Acid spills

How to use an extinguisher?
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

quantities significant enough to form an ignitable

i. Apply neutralizers (or sodium bicarbonate) to mixture with air.
perimeter of spill.  The volatility of a material- is an indication of how
ii. Mix thoroughly until fizzing and evolution of gas easily the liquid or solid will pass into the vapor
ceases. stage.
iii. Transfer the mixture to a plastic bag, tie shut, fill Volatility is measured by the boiling point of the
out a waste label and place in a fume hood. material: the temperature at which the vapor
c.) Solvent Spills pressure of the material is equal to the atmospheric
i. Apply activated charcoal to the perimeter of the spill. pressure.
ii. Mix thoroughly until material is dry and no evidence c.) Some materials are Pyrophoric, meaning that they can
of solvent remains. ignite spontaneously with no external source of ignition.
iii. Transfer absorbed solvent to a plastic bag, tie shut, Potassium metal, for example, can react with the
and place in the fume hood. moisture in air.
d.) Labeling and information
 Flammability information can be found in the
H. Properties of Hazardous Chemicals Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) under Fire and
1. Flammability Explosion Data. Flash point and boiling point
a.) Flammability is a measure of how easily a gas, liquid, or information can be found in the section entitled
solid will ignite and how quickly the flame, once started, physical properties.
will spread. e.) Storage
i. Flammable materials should never be stored
near acids.
b.) Flammable liquids themselves are not flammable; ii. Storage areas should be cool enough to prevent
rather, the vapor from the liquids is combustible. There ignition in the event that vapor mix with air.
are two physical properties of a material that indicate Adequate ventilation should be provided to
its physical properties of a material that indicate its prevent vapor build up.
flammability: flash point and volatility (boiling point) iii. Avoid storage of flammable materials in
 The flash point of a material- is the temperature at conventional (non-explosion proof)
which a liquid (or volatile solid) gives off vapor in refrigerators. Spark generated by the internal
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

lights or thermostats may ignite flammable and contact between mucous membranes and infected
material inside the refrigerator, causing an body fluids.
extremely dangerous explosion hazard. 3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)- includes latex gloves,
f.) Handling fluid resistant laboratory coats (buttoned up), face shields,
i. Use gloves and safety googles when handling protective goggles and respirators.
flammable liquids or vapors. 4. Always wear PPE in exposure situations.
ii. Dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids 5. Replace PPE when it becomes torn punctured or soiled.
should only be carried out under a fume hood 6. Remove PPE before leaving the work area and wash your
or in an approved storage room. hands.
iii. DO NOT use water to clean up flammable liquid 7. Use standard precautions and treat all blood or potentially
spills. (Acid to water) infectious body fluids as if they are contaminated. Avoid
contact whenever possible, and whenever it’s not, wear
personal protective equipment.
I. Bloodborne Pathogens 8. All surfaces, tools, equipment and other objects that come
1. Bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, HBV, and HCV are in contact with blood or potentially infectious materials
transmitted through contact with infected blood and body must be DECONTAMINATED and sterilize as soon as
fluids including: possible. Decontamination is recommended with 5.25
 Semen bleach solution (1:10 dilution of household bleach).
 Vaginal secretion 9. Sharps: all sharps, including needles and broken glass, will
 Cerebrospinal fluid be disposed of in labeled plastic sharps containers. Needles
 Synovial Fluid may be recapped only by using a mechanical device and
 Pleural fluid may not be broken, cut or bent. Sharps containers must be
 Peritoneal fluid closable, puncture resistant, leak proof on side and bottom,
 Amniotic fluid and labeled biohazard.
 Saliva (in dental procedures)
 Any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood
2. Bloodborne diseases are most commonly transmitted by Activity 1: HANDWASHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
sexual contact; sharing of hypodermic needles; contact
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
between broken or damaged skin and infected body fluids;
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

cross-infection by destroying of microorganism before they leave

Objectives: the body. Such include proper hand washing.

After the activity, the students are expected to: Hand washing is very important and should be the first and
1. Demonstrate the proper handwashing technique; the last step of all procedures. Hands must be washed before and
2. Explain the principle of handwashing; after each laboratory activity and when dealing with patients.
3. Identify common laboratory personal protective equipment Proper hand washing does not sterilize the hands but removes
(PPE); surface contaminants, infectious microorganisms, and dead skin
4. Demonstrate the proper method of putting on a mask; hence the health care worker and the patients are protected. A
5. Execute the proper laboratory gowning technique; laboratory should therefore have a sink equipped with soap or soap
6. Demonstrate the correct way of wearing gloves; dispenser and continuous water supply.
7. Demonstrate the proper removal and disposal of mask,
gloves and gown; Handwashing depends on two factors:
8. Appreciate the importance of hand washing and PPE in 1) running water and 2) friction. The water temperature should be
infection control tepid, meaning it should not be too hot or too cold to avoid
Introduction cracking, chapping or drying the skin which can be the source of
contamination.Friction means the firm rubbing of all hand surfaces
In the world of dangerous viruses, drug-resistant bacteria, (fingers have four side plus fingernails).
and other infectious microorganisms, we must be reminded to
practice aseptic technique. This is an effort to prevent infection and Likewise, safety measures to prevent or at least minimize
the risk of exposure must be followed closely. To eliminate health
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

hazards from the workplace personal protective equipment (PPE)  Hand disinfectant (70% alcohol and hand sanitizer, e.g.
that must be worn in the laboratory. Health care facilities will have soap)
specific instructions and necessary supplies located outside the PROCEDURE S U COMMENTS
1. Assemble materials
room of each patient requiring isolation procedures.
completely before starting.
For handwashing all clean
materials except for
Rationale:
temporary waste
receptacle will be placed on
a clean paper liner beside
This activity orients the students on the proper
the sink.
handwashing technique and proper donning of mask, gloves and 2. HANDWASHING
laboratory gown. It also includes the general techniques for a) Remove jewelries.
b) Turn on water
removing protective barriers such as gloves, masks and laboratory using paper towel
gowns. to turn the faucet
on. Discard the
paper towel.
Materials: c) Wet hands keeping
fingertips lower
 Sink: for handwashing than your wrists.
 Clean paper towels d) Dispense soap into
hands and rub front
 Clean hand towel and back of hands
 Sterile disposable mask and fingers
vigorously for 1-2
 Sterile disposable gloves minutes. (If using
 Clean well-ironed laboratory gown bar soap, keep the
soap in your hands
during the entire
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

lathering). Rinse 3. DON MASK

soap before putting a) Pick up mask and
back to the soap place it over your
dish. mouth and nose,
e) Completely wash being careful not to
both hands touch your face
including four sides with your fingers.
of every finger. b) Tie the ends of the
f) Check fingernails mask around the
for any debris. head and neck.
Remove debris. 4. DON GOWN
g) Rinse hands a) Slip arms into the
keeping fingertips sleeves of a gown,
below the elbow. being careful to
h) Dry hands touch only the
completely using inside of gown.
clean hand towel. b) Secure the buttons
i) Turn off faucet of the gown. Make
using your elbow or sure your clothing is
cover the faucets covered
with clean paper completely.
towel before 5. GLOVES
touching them. DO a) Pick up the RIGHT
NOT touch the glove by the cuff and
faucet or the sink insert the right
with your clean hand.
hands. b) Pick up and hold the
j) If using paper LEFT glove by
towel, dispose inserting the
towel, touching fingertips of your
only the clean side. gloved right hand
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

into the cuff of the glove by turning it

left glove and then inside out entirely to
insert the left hand ensure that your
into the glove. Push skin is always and
both hands in exclusively in
opposite direction. contact with the
c) Position glove cuffs inner surface of the
over the wrists by gloves.
using your fingertips d) Left glove is now
to push the cuff inside the inverted
toward your elbow. right glove.
d) Pull the glove cuffs
over the sleeves of 7. Discard the gloves in
your gown. receptacle for
6. DOFFING GLOVES contaminated materials.
a) Remove the gloves 8. Wash hands following step
by folding them, 2.
down and turning 9. DOFFING MASK
them inside out, a) Untie mask, touching
LEFT first then right. only the ties. If using
b) Remove the left elastic ties, flip back of
glove first by peeling ears, hold ties and pull-
it back using the out backward and
right gloved hand. remove.
Remove the left b) Hold mask by the ties
glove by rolling only, flip mask inside
inside out to the out, and dispose on
second finger joints appropriate receptacle.
(do not remove 10. DOFFING GOWN
completely). a) Unbutton your
c) Remove the right laboratory gown.
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

b) Remove gown by
slipping your hands
back into the sleeve
starting with LEFT
sleeve then right
sleeve, touching only
the inside of the gown.
c) Fold the gown down
over your arms inside-
out and discard in
appropriate receptacle.
NOTE: Recyclable gowns must be
washed thoroughly with
appropriate detergent.
11. Dispose other used
materials into
appropriate containers.
12. Wash your hands following
step 2.
13. Leave the room using clean
paper towel to turn the
door knob.
Comments:
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

While disinfection kills only the vegetative microbial cells

ACTIVITY 2: DISINFECTION/DECONTAMIATION OF but NOT the spore-formers, it is an effective way of eliminating the
WORKING AREA micro colonies of microorganisms present on the surface of the
working area that might pose risk to the laboratory worker as well
Objectives:
as contaminate the laboratory test.
After the activity, the students are expected to:
1. Enumerate different solutions used as disinfectants.
Thus, it is very important to keep laboratory workplace in a
2. Discuss the importance of disinfecting or decontaminating
clean and sanitary condition. Cleaning and decontamination of the
laboratory area.
working surfaces before and after contact with blood or other
3. Demonstrate the standard procedure of disinfecting and
potentially infectious materials are of prime importance.
decontaminating working area and spills respectively.
Disinfection can be accomplished with the use of disinfectants.
4. Clean laboratory area before and after activity.
Sodium hypochlorite, liquid household bleach, is often used
as an intermediate-level disinfectant. Dilutions of bleach should be
Rationale
made up fresh weekly to prevent the loss of germicidal action
Decontamination is the process of removing or neutralizing
during prolonged storage. A 10% solution of sodium hypochlorite is
contaminants that have accumulated on workplace, personnel, and
an effective agent against bacterial and viral contamination. Desk
equipment. This is critical to health and safety of the workers in the
tops can be cleaned daily with a dilute solution of bleach.
laboratory. Surface contaminant is common in any working area
inside the laboratory. Dirtis easy to detect, however biohazards are
In cases of spillage of any biological specimens such as
not. Removal can be achieved using physical, chemical or
blood and other body fluids, they should be absorbed as completely
combination methods.
as possible with disposable towels or gauze pads prior to
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

disinfection. After absorption of the liquid, all contaminated

materials should be discarded as biohazard waste. The spill site
should be cleaned with aqueous detergent solution and then
disinfected with a high-level hospital disinfectant such as 10% PROCEDURE S U COMMENTS
1. Wash hands.
household bleach.
2. Put on a barrier mask, gown,
and gloves.
For any contaminated laboratory ware that must be reused 3. Assemble all materials
needed.
should NOT be cleaned with bleach, because it corrodes stainless 4. Using a clean cloth or paper
steel containers and coagulates proteins. Therefore, a strong towels or clean rug, soaked in
10% bleach solution or the
detergent solution such as 3% phenolic detergent can be used. designated commercial
antiseptic.
5. Wipe all dirty equipment such
Materials: as centrifuge, incubator, etc.
 PPE; gloves-doubled 6. Dry any wet areas with clean
cloth.
 Soap 7. Rinse the cleaning cloth in the
 Tissue paper or paper towels or clean rug or cloth (2) cleaning solution.
8. Wipe all counter tops and
 Surface disinfectant (5-10% sodium hypochlorite) work areas.
 Small basin (for washing used rug or cloth) 9. Dry the wiped areas with
clean cloth.
10. Rinse the cleaning cloth again
in the cleaning solution.
11. Wipe all other areas in the lab
such as storage cabinets,
doorknobs and edges.
12. Dry wiped surfaces with clean
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

cloth. ACTIVITY 3: LABORATORY GLASSWARES

13. For contaminated areas due
to spillage of biological
specimens, absorbed liquid
Objectives:
with absorbent towel or
gauze pad and discard used After the activity, the students are expected to:
towels to biohazard
1. Identify the different glasswares available in the laboratory
containers.
14. Pour off 10% sodium as well as the important parts;
hypochlorite or any
2. Determine heat-resistant glasswares;
commercially prepared
disinfectant onto the spill site. 3. Enumerate the types of pipette, their use, advantage and
15. Wipe the spill site and the
disadvantages;
disinfectant with absorbent
paper towels or cloth or 4. Discuss the proper care and cleaning protocol;
gauze.
5. Demonstrate correct pipetting skills;
16. Dry the area using the paper
towels. 6. Show interest and positive attitude.
17. Discard all contaminated
materials to biohazard
container. Introduction:
18. Remove gloves, gowns, and
mask.
19. Wash hands thoroughly. Most laboratory procedures require the use of some type of
container or glassware that is frequently needed to measure,
transfer, and/or prepare reagents. Glassware comes in five basic
shapes and a variety of sizes, each type is sometimes used to
include both types. Glass containers are more expensive because of
not leaching or binding to solutes. Much of today’s labware is
 Holy Name University
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Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

designed to be disposable. This eliminates the possibility of  Graduated cylinder

contamination of solutions due to inadequate cleaning.  Pipettes (manual & automatic, serological &
volumetric)
Common laboratory ware includes test tubes, pipettes, petri  Vials and test tubes (clean without cover, screw-
dishes, beakers, flasks, bottles, string rods, and graduated cylinders. capped, vacutainer tubes with anticoagulants)
2. Other laboratory supplies:
Rationale:  Pipettors and pipette tips
This activity introduces the students to the basic types of  Test tube rack (plastic, wood or metal)
labware and the different kinds of laboratory glasswares, their  Dropper (plastic or glass)
description, functions, and proper use or operation protocol.  Forcep, tong, test tube holder
Included also are the guidelines for proper use, care and cleaning of  Syringe (plastic or glass)
glasswares. It also allows students to practice beginning skills in  Evacuated set (optional)
pipetting and transferrin fluids using pipettes, beakers, test tubes
and flasks. Procedure:
1. Obtain glasswares from the stockroom.
A. Familiarizing Laboratory Glasswares 2. Orient self to the different glasswares.
Materials: 3. Draw selected glasswares and indicate their use/function on
1. Glasswares the worksheet.
 Petri dish 4. Check glasswares for any signs of damage (i.e., broken tips,
 Beaker chipped ends, leaks, etc.) and record result on your
 Flask worksheet.
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

5. Carefully return glasswares to the stockroom. 6. Continue to draw water until the level is slightly above 1-mL
mark.
7. Remove bulb and quickly place you INDEX FINGER over the
B. Using A Pipette to Transfer Fluid upper end of the pipette.
Materials: 8. Hold pipette vertically and slowly release the pressure of
 Volumetric pipette your index finger on the top of the pipette.
 Pipette bulb or pump (pipettor) 9. Carefully wipe the outside of the pipette with the laboratory
 Tissue paper tissue to remove all excess fluid.
 Graduated serological pipette (1mL and 10mL) 10. Allow colored water to drain from the pipette until
 Colored water in 250mL beaker meniscus rests on the 0-mL mark of a 1-mL pipette.
 Beaker (50mL) and large test tube (10mL) 11. Dispense colored water to drain into the test tube or clean
 Test tube rack small beaker, allowing the liquid to drain by gravity. (TD
pipette) Pipette position while delivering is vertical while
Procedure: tube or beaker is inclined. Always deliver to the side of the
1. Wash your hands and put on gloves. container.
2. Assemble materials. 12. If pipette has frosted ring, use the pipette bulb to blow the
3. Attach pipette bulb to serological pipette. last drop of liquid out of the pipette. (TO BLOW pipette)
4. Squeeze the bulb before placing the tip of the pipette into 13. Repeat procedure using 10-mL pipette.
the colored water. 14. Wash glasswares then wipe dry with clean paper towel.
5. Slowly release the bulb, allowing colored water to be drawn 15. Disinfect the working area.
up into the pipette. 16. Remove and discard gloves properly.
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

17. Hand wash and disinfect hands.

Care and Cleaning of Glasswares:
1. All glasswares must be washed with authorized detergent Safety Precautions:
and rinsed thoroughly with tap water. If contaminated with
biohazard, apply appropriate disinfectant before washing.  Wear appropriate PPE when handling lab ware
2. Disposable labware should NOT be washed but disposed containing blood or other body fluids/infected
properly in specific receptacles. NEVER REUSE.
materials.
3. Depending on the kind of glassware, distilled water is used
for final rinsing.  Disinfect glass wares exposed to blood and other
4. Always wear protective gloves and gown when cleaning body fluids/materials before cleaning (<30
glasswares. minutes)
5. After washing, place glasswares in inverted position to allow  Inspect beakers, cylinders, and pipettes for chips
drying. Pipettes must be place in a drain rack.
6. Chipped, cracked or broken glasswares should NOT be used
and should be replaced.
7. Reusable glass wares used for body fluids should be
disinfected before washing (soak in 10% sodium
hypochlorite for at least 30 minutes).

Procedural Notes:
 Use correct glassware for task.
 Always use clean, dry glassware for
measurements.
 Use clean, dry pipette for each measurement.
 Rinse/soak glassware immediately after use.
 Holy Name University
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2

Checklist for Pipetting Skills before returning.

Parameter S U Comments
1. Assembles the equipment
completely.
2. Disinfects the working area
before working.
3. Reads the instruction
carefully.
4. Labels the tube correctly.
5. Chooses the right volume of
pipettes as instructed.
6. Pipettes the desired amount
of solution.
7. Wipes the body of the pipette
with tissue paper before
delivery.
8. Levels the amount of solution
to zero.
9. Holds the pipette in a vertical
position.
10. Delivers the desired correct
amount of solution carefully
to the side of container.
Pipette must be in vertical
position while delivering.
11. Disinfects the working area
after the activity.
12. Washes properly the
glasswares used.
13. Allows glasswares to dry