CAP Pro Course - Histology - Safety Issues in the Histology Laboratory

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Author: Carla Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP)
Reviewer: Alexandru Casapu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, PBTCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Recognize and manage potential safety hazards in the histology laboratory.
  • Utilize appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and work practice controls to reduce the risk of exposure.
  • Identify physical and mechanical hazards in the histology laboratory.
  • Recognize biohazardous materials encountered in the histology laboratory.
  • Identify hazardous chemicals used in the histology laboratory and understand acceptable exposure limits.
  • Demonstrate basic fire safety, evacuation, and small fire extinguishing procedures.

Course Outline

  • Recognize and manage potential safety hazards in the histology laboratory.
      • Hazard Categories
      • General Laboratory Safety Plan and Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
      • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
      • General Safety Practices
      • Jamie is receiving new supplies that include alcohol, acetic acid, and ammonia. Which section of each chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) should Jamie ...
      • Because of the many chemicals used in histology, you have been asked to assist with updating your laboratory's chemical hygiene plan (CHP). Which of t...
      • Danielle has been asked to perform a frozen section on a lung specimen from a patient with confirmed tuberculosis. Which of the following BEST describ...
  • Utilize appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and work practice controls to reduce the risk of exposure.
      • Engineering Controls: The Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC)
      • Engineering Controls: The Grossing Station
      • Engineering Controls: The Chemical Fume Hood
      • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
      • Handwashing
      • Which of the following engineering controls is utilized to dissect tissue specimens while protecting the individual performing the dissection from exc...
      • You have received a body fluid specimen. In preparing to process the specimen, you see a note on the specimen requisition indicating that the patient ...
      • Jae understands that one of the most important work practice controls for the health and safety of laboratory workers is hand hygiene. He is ready to ...
  • Identify physical and mechanical hazards in the histology laboratory.
      • Avoiding Falls
      • Ergonomics
      • Latex Sensitivity
      • Cryostat Safety and Decontamination
      • Electrical Hazards
      • Microwave Oven Use
      • Which of the following describes a properly used control measure implemented to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls in the histology laboratory...
      • Some personnel may be allergic to gloves and other items containing latex. Sensitivity and reactions to latex vary in severity. Which of the following...
  • Recognize biohazardous materials encountered in the histology laboratory.
      • Safe Handling of Sharps
      • Bloodborne Pathogens (BBPs)
      • Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) and Related Safety Precautions
      • Handling Considerations for Tissues Containing Radioactive Material
      • Appropriate Disposal Methods for Pathological Waste and Radioactive Specimens
      • Appropriate Handling and Reporting of Exposures to Biologic Hazards
      • Which of the following is a FALSE statement in regard to sharps disposal container safe practices?
      • Which of the following PPE is required when handling specimens that are suspected of having TSE?
  • Identify hazardous chemicals used in the histology laboratory and understand acceptable exposure limits.
      • Chemical Health Hazards
      • Appropriate Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals
      • Hazard Communication Standard Pictograms
      • Primary Container Labeling
      • Secondary Container Labeling
      • Appropriate Chemical Storage
      • Appropriate Handling of Chemical Spills
      • Disposal of Chemical Waste
      • Exposure Limits for Formaldehyde and Xylene
      • Appropriate Handling and Reporting of Chemical Exposures, Including Signs and Symptoms
      • Irritants are chemicals that cause a reversible inflammatory effect in living tissue at the site of contact, most often affecting the eyes, skin, and ...
      • Charley accidentally knocks over a container of a chemical onto the floor. When determining if it is safe to clean up the chemical spill, there are se...
      • What hazard is represented by this pictogram?
  • Demonstrate basic fire safety, evacuation, and small fire extinguishing procedures.
      • Classification of Common Fires
      • Types of Fire Extinguishers
      • Fire Safety
      • A technician notices the smell of smoke and then observes a small flame as it bounces out from behind one of the stainers. Considering the types of fl...
      • Water extinguishers or air-pressurized water (APW) extinguishers are a type of fire extinguisher that are filled with water and are typically pressuri...
      • If your clothes are on fire, but the floor around you is not, what is the most appropriate steps to take to ensure your safety?
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for HT, HTL, MLS, MT, MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Carla J. Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP) is the System Director of Anatomic Pathology for Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Management as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Troy University, Troy, Alabama. She is certified as a Histotechnician and has 29 years of experience in the field of Histology.
Reviewer Information: Alexandru Casapu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, PBTCM, has over 20 years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist, section supervisor, and laboratory manager. He is the former Director of Clinical Laboratory Technology Program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. He is currently a Program Director at MediaLab, Inc. Alex holds BS degrees in Biology and Medical Technology from Clark Atlanta University and an MBA from the University of Georgia.

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