LAVALLE, Jestin B.

BMLS Intern Histopathology

Topic 1: Risk Management and Safety

1. PPEs?
 Laboratory Gown / Apron
 Goggles
 Gloves
 Mask
 Closed Shoes
 Hair Net

2. Why is there a need to wear PPEs inside the laboratory?

 To protect ourselves from hazardous chemical and pathologic specimens

 To reduce risk of contamination and disease/disorders

3. State the Universal Precautions.

Treat ALL specimen infectious

4. Enumerate 4 equipment used in the histopathology laboratory?

5. Explain and give its purpose.

 Microtome – Capable of cutting a section at a predetermined thickness by sliding the block into a cutting tool (knife/blade)
o A spring-balanced teeth/pawl is brought into contact with, and turns a ratchet feed wheel connected to a micrometer
screw, which is in turn rotated, moving the tissue block at a predetermined distance towards the knife for cutting at
uniform thickness
 Microscope – Used to view slides to identify any abnormalities that will directly affect the patient’s treatment
o Enlarges images and allows the visualization of morphologic cellular details that are too small to be seen by the
unaided eyes
 Cryostat – Used for rapid preparation of urgent tissue biopsies for intraoperative diagnosis
o Inside it, a rotary microtome, kept inside a cold chamber which has been maintained at a temperature between -5˚ to -
30˚ C (average of -20) by an adjustable thermostat, capable of freezing fresh tissues within 2-3 minutes and cut sections
of 4 u with ease
 Hone and Strop – Remove gross nicks on the knife edge to remove blemishes (Hone) ; A process whereby the “burr” formed
during honing is removed and the cutting edge of the knife is polished (Strop)
o Use of a hone, a natural sharpening stone or hard grinding surface, heel to toe, 10 – 20 strokes
o Use of a paddle strop, made up of the best quality horse leather, attached to a solid back (to avoid sagging), toe to heel,
40 – 120 strokes

6. Information needed in the chemical labels.

a. Chemical name, if a mixture, names of all ingredients
b. Manufacturer’s name and address if purchased commercially, or name of person making the reagent
LAVALLE, Jestin B. BMLS Intern Histopathology
c. Date purchased or made
d. Expiration date, if known
e. Hazard warnings and safety preocedures

7. What is biohazard symbol?

Indicate potential material presence of biohazard that carry

significant health risk

Gives a warning and understanding how microorganisms

transmitted

8. NFPA Hazard Identification symbol?

Gives severity of each symbol related to health, flammability, reactivity and

special precautions

0 – 4 grade of scale based on content

9. How are you going to handle spills in the laboratory?

 Tell everyone to wear protective equipment and clean up aids

o Gloves. Aprons and gowns
 Spill neutralizing and containment kits should be available
o Bleach/Sodium hypochlorite – biohazard
o Baking soda – acids
o Vinegar/5% acetic acid – alkalis
o Sealable plastic bucket and heavy plastic (impermeable) bags – containment of the salvaged waste
 Small spills – simply wipe off w/ towel or sponge, while protecting hands with thick gloves
 Spill of dangerous materials – all personnel should evacuate the room, first aid must be given immediately to anyone who
gotten splashed or affected by vapors
 Large spills – area must be sealed off and an experienced emergency response team must be called