Practice Test Geeks(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test
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Safety & Infection Control Flashcards

7 cards from real MLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Safety & Infection Control flashcards as text

  1. A medical laboratory scientist receives a specimen with a broken tube and blood on the outside of the transport bag. What is the FIRST action to take?

    Answer: Don gloves and other appropriate PPE before handling

    PPE must be donned before handling any potentially contaminated specimen to protect against bloodborne pathogen exposure.

  2. Which OSHA standard specifically governs occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the clinical laboratory?

    Answer: 29 CFR 1910.1030

    29 CFR 1910.1030 is OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which requires exposure control plans and PPE for laboratory workers.

  3. When using a biosafety cabinet (BSC), a laboratory scientist should avoid placing materials near the front grille because:

    Answer: It disrupts the inward airflow that protects the worker

    The front grille maintains the inward airflow barrier that prevents aerosols from escaping the cabinet and protects the operator.

  4. A laboratory worker sustains a needlestick injury from a patient known to be HIV-positive. Which action should be taken FIRST?

    Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

    Immediate wound washing with soap and water is the first step to reduce the inoculum before any reporting or treatment.

  5. Which class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for electrical equipment fires in the laboratory?

    Answer: Class C

    Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents and are rated for energized electrical equipment fires.

  6. Under Standard Precautions, which of the following body fluids requires the SAME level of precaution as blood?

    Answer: Cerebrospinal fluid

    Cerebrospinal fluid is listed under Standard Precautions as a body fluid posing infectious risk similar to blood.

  7. Which chemical hazard label system is used in US laboratories to communicate hazard information on secondary containers?

    Answer: OSHA HazCom GHS-aligned Safety Data Sheets and labels

    OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012) aligned with GHS requires standardized labels and SDSs for hazardous chemicals in US workplaces.