In which of the following locations should a phlebotomist directly dispose of a contaminated microscope slide?
A: Specimen bag
B: Biohazard bag
C: Red sharps container
D: Medical waste container
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
A specimen bag is typically used for transporting specimens from the collection site to the laboratory. It is not designed for the disposal of contaminated items such as microscope slides. These bags are not puncture-resistant and do not provide the necessary protection against sharps injuries or contamination.
Choice B reason:
A biohazard bag is used for disposing of items that have been contaminated with potentially infectious materials. While it is suitable for materials like gloves, tissues, or any other items that do not have sharp edges, it is not the appropriate choice for glass slides, which can puncture the bag and pose a risk to handlers.
Choice C reason:
A red sharps container is specifically designed for the disposal of sharps waste, which includes any device that can puncture or cut skin, such as needles, syringes, lancets, and contaminated glass such as microscope slides. These containers are rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and usually marked with a biohazard symbol, making them the correct choice for disposing of contaminated microscope slides.
Choice D reason:
A medical waste container is a broad term that can refer to various types of containers used for medical waste. However, not all medical waste containers are suitable for sharps disposal. Unless the medical waste container is designed like a red sharps container, it may not be safe for disposing of glass slides.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Covering the spill until maintenance arrives is not an appropriate response to a blood spill. This action does not neutralize any potential pathogens present in the blood, which could pose a risk of infection to others. Immediate cleanup is necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and simply covering the spill does not meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for bloodborne pathogens, which require the spill to be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant.
Choice B Reason:
Pouring bleach on the spill and allowing it to soak for 60 seconds is the recommended action because bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill a wide range of pathogens, including those that might be present in venous blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a 1:10 dilution of household bleach for effectively disinfecting blood spills. After pouring the bleach, it is important to let it soak for an adequate amount of time, usually around 10 minutes, to ensure that all pathogens are killed.
Choice C Reason:
Evacuating the laboratory is not a necessary action for a blood spill unless the spill is extensive and poses additional risks that cannot be mitigated by standard cleanup procedures. In most cases, following the proper spill cleanup protocol, which includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and using an EPA-registered disinfectant, is sufficient to handle the situation without needing to evacuate the area.
Choice D Reason:
Applying a liquid thickening agent on top of the spill is not a standard practice for blood spill cleanup. While a thickening agent might contain the spill, it does not disinfect the area. The priority in such situations is to disinfect and remove any potential infectious agents. Therefore, the use of a thickening agent would not be in compliance with the recommended procedures for blood spill cleanup by OSHA and the CDC.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A red-top tube is used for serum determinations in chemistry and should be allowed to clot completely, typically for 30 minutes, before centrifugation. Shipping after only 15 minutes may result in incomplete clotting and potentially inaccurate test results.
Choice B Reason:
Serum should not be separated from a lavender-top tube, as this type of tube contains EDTA and is used for whole blood tests, not serum. This indicates a misunderstanding of the tube's purpose and could lead to compromised test results.
Choice C Reason:
A tiger-top tube, also known as a serum separator tube, is used for various chemistry tests. However, bilirubin is light-sensitive, and specimens for bilirubin testing should be protected from light, not shipped in a clear bag. This could lead to degradation of the bilirubin and inaccurate results.
Choice D Reason:
A green-top tube contains heparin and is used for plasma determinations. Ammonia testing requires the plasma to be placed on ice immediately after collection to inhibit the continued production of ammonia from red blood cells. Therefore, shipping in an icy water mixture is the correct procedure to ensure accurate ammonia levels.
In conclusion, the proper preparation and transport of blood specimens are crucial for the accuracy of laboratory tests. The green-top tube for ammonia testing, shipped in an icy water mixture, is the only option that follows the correct protocol for specimen handling and transport.
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