Video Lecture Notes: Safety, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hand Hygiene, PPE, PEP, Respiratory Etiquette

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from safety, exposure control, PPE, and infection prevention.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

Safety guidelines in the lab, including prohibitions on eating/drinking, cosmetics, gum, and the requirement to use proper PPE and hygiene.

Fully buttoned lab coat

A lab coat that is completely fastened during lab activities to provide protection.

Impermeable footwear

Shoes made of impermeable material that cover the entire foot with rubber soles; avoid clog-style shoes.

Hair tied back

Long hair should be tied back during lab work to prevent contamination.

Nail care

Nails should be short and well-manicured; no nail polish or artificial nails.

Face shield

A protective face shield used during specimen processing or activities that may generate splashes or aerosols.

Sharps disposal container

A dedicated container for disposing of sharps like needles and syringes.

Needle safety device

A safety device activated during needle disposal, with the holder attached.

Biohazard labeling

Labeling all biohazardous materials and containers.

Standard Precautions

A set of practices to prevent transmission of infections in healthcare settings.

Work surface disinfection protocol

A daily protocol for disinfecting work surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective items provided to employees, including lab coats, gowns, gloves, face shields, and access to laundry for nondisposable clothing.

HBV vaccination

Hepatitis B vaccination provided to employees at no charge.

HBIG (Hepatitis B immune globulin)

Immunoglobulin given to unvaccinated employees after HBV exposure, usually with vaccine.

HCV

Hepatitis C virus; no postexposure prophylaxis available; employees are monitored and treated if infection occurs.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus; postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) started within 24 hours after exposure and followed up.

Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Treatment to prevent infection after exposure, initiated within 24 hours when indicated (e.g., HIV exposure).

Baseline blood specimen

Initial blood sample drawn after exposure to test HBV, HCV, and HIV.

Source patient

The patient from whom exposure originated; tested for HBV, HCV, and HIV with consent.

Zidovudine (ZDV)

Antiretroviral medication used as part of HIV PEP regimens.

Gloves

Protective gloves worn when contact with blood or infectious materials is possible; changed between patients and removed using proper technique.

Gowns

Gowns worn to protect skin and clothing; removed and hand hygiene performed before leaving the patient’s environment.

Mouth, nose, eye protection

PPE to protect mucous membranes during procedures likely to generate splashes; include face shields, masks with eye protection, etc.

Aerosol-generating procedures PPE

Additional PPE requirements (e.g., full face protection) for procedures likely to generate aerosols.

Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette

Education to contain respiratory secretions; offer masks to coughing patients and symptomatic persons.

Droplet transmission

Spread of infectious agents via respiratory droplets.

Fomite transmission

Transmission of pathogens via contaminated surfaces or objects.

Care of environment

Policies for cleaning and disinfection of patient-care equipment and devices, including mobile devices.

Textiles and laundry handling

Handle used textiles with minimum agitation to prevent contamination of air and surfaces.