Much of the contamination in the laboratory occurs as

a result of penetrating injuries caused by sharp objects and

the spilling and splashing of specimen materials.

Components of UWP

1. Handwashing.

2. Barrier precautions (mask, cap, plastic apron and

protection of feet).

3. Careful handling of all kinds of sharps and needles.

4. Effective infection.

5. Sterilization.

6. Correct disposal of different kinds of wastes generated

in a health care facility.

Guidelines of Basic Practices and Procedures

¾ Prevention of puncture wounds, cuts and abrasions and

protection of existing wounds, skin lesions, conjunctiva

and mucosal surfaces

¾ Application of simple protective measures designed

to prevent contamination of the person and his/her

clothing

¾ Good basic hygiene practices, including regular

handwashing

¾ Control of surface contamination by containment and

disinfection procedures

¾ Safe disposal of contaminated waste.

Biosafety Regulations for Laboratory Procedures

¾ Wear gloves when handling infectious materials or

where there is a possibility of exposure to blood and

other body fluids. All laboratories that work with

material that is potentially infected with HIV require a

generous supply of good quality gloves.

¾ Discard gloves whenever they are thought to have

become contaminated or perforated, wash your hands

and put on new gloves. Alternatively, where there are

economic constraints, wash gloved hands whenever

they get contaminated with blood/body fluids before

collecting further samples

¾ Do not touch your eye, nose, or other exposed

membranes or skin with your gloved hands.

Sterilization (for Nondisposable Items)

¾ For sharps, reusable blades, cystoscopy instruments,

endoscopy instruments, use CIDEX (2% glutaraldehyde)

or 5% Korsolex. Disinfection usually occurs in

30 minutes

¾ Use autoclaving for other reusable items (e.g. needle

holders, gowns, etc.)

¾ Wherever, autoclaving is not possible, boiling must be

for 30 minutes at the least.

Waste Disposal

Divide waste into three parts at source.

i. Household type noninfectious waste:

• Not to be decontaminated

• To be disposed off as such.

16 Concise Book of Medical Laboratory Technology: Methods and Interpretations ii. Infected sharp waste disposables (needles/surgical

instruments):

• Place in puncture-proof container containing

disinfectant (1% bleach prepared every morning). Needles should ideally be burnt (machines

are available that operate on electricity)

• Final disposal.

iii. Infected nonsharp waste:

• Is to be decontaminated

• Placed in disinfectant 5 to 10% bleach as the case

may be (left over blood, tissues, etc.).