Biorisk and biosecurity management protects lab workers and the communities they work in from the unintended, or intended, release of biological agents. The importance of this cannot be overstated, given the unknowns clinical lab workers face when testing patient samples and other materials.
If your lab or clinic hasn’t done so already, it will have to review its supply, storage, and placement of alcohol-based hand rub and sanitizers, says Dan Scungio, MT(ASCP), SLS, a laboratory safety officer for multihospital system Sentara Healthcare in Virginia.
As a lab safety professional, it can be frustrating to see safety issues go unattended, especially after they have been reported. The apparent roadblocks to solutions may be a lack of funds, busy or disinterested leadership, or even a poor culture of safety. There are steps you can take, however...
Creating and sustaining a culture of safety has been a challenge for many healthcare organizations, but the objective value in having one can’t be overstated. Organizations like the Institute for Healthcare...
Remember to update your facility’s list of hazardous chemicals and materials at least annually, possibly more often depending on your state and local regulations.
Pete began his shift in the hematology department. He liked to use the counter-mounted safety shield when opening specimens because he didn’t like to wear goggles over his eyeglasses. When it was time to read differential slides, he knew he couldn’t look into the microscope with his glasses on,...
When reading a medical study, providers should focus more on the suggestions and solutions it offers—not just shocking or dramatic statistics, says Brad Truax, MD, a board-certified physician in neurology and internal medicine with over 20 years of experience in medical...
Be prepared for COVID-19 cases to increase in number and potentially severity if the general public becomes too lax in vaccination, testing, and using precautions once the public health emergency (PHE) officially ends on May 11.