Question

Choose a topic that we have discussed in Medical Laboratory Techniques

like microscopes or safety in lab or pipetting

a.Tell me why you chose it.

b.Why do you feel it is important in medical lab?

c.How will you apply your knowledge in your future career as a Medical

Laboratory Technologist?

2.Reflection must minimum 500 words, please provide word count.

3.Use a separate paragraph for each question.

Answer 1

Safety in the medical laboratory:

a. Reason to choose this topic: The relevance of the topic is the most important reason to choose the topic.  Lab safety is a critical component of significance for any medical laboratory's successful functioning. It is important for both patients and professionals. Almost 70% of the diagnoses made are based on lab values and not following the safety measures can lead to an error in lab values and wrong diagnoses. Both the chemicals used and specimens checked pose an immense threat to the professionals when no precautions are taken. Safety measures should be implemented by the management and practiced by the professionals to avoid any unpleasant consequences. Another reason to choose this topic is the accessibility of resources. Plenty of online and offline resources are available for this topic, which can be utilized for research. Since the availability of data was high, it was not a herculean task to verify the facts and write an article based on this topic.

b. Safety is important in the medical lab because of

• Professional safety as well as patient safety rests in the safety measures practiced by the lab professionals. These are influenced by chemical, biological, radiological, fire, and electrical hazards. Proper lab safety management is required to avoid any hazards caused due to this.
• Medical labs are places were human blood, urine, tissues etc., containing microbes are sent for analysis. This poses a major threat to the professionals if handled without caution.
• The equipment and reagents used for the tests also have inherent dangers.

• The threats to laboratory safety include improper use of personal protective equipment, failure to follow protocols, and inappropriate use of biological safety cabinets for the work, and potential technician exposure.

• Any loss of life or data can be prevented by lab safety measures.

c. Application of safety measures in my future career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist:

• Careful handling of medical specimens with safety equipments etc.
• Following chemical lab safety protocols while handling chemicals.
• Knowing the environment that you are exposed to is the key factor for drawing or working up a patient’s blood or other samples. If you are a technician entering quality control or results from a completed crossmatch at a computer, you don't have to be concerned about the PPE (personal protective equipment).
• Routine risk assessments and control measures based on these assessments. A lab management professional can ensure that threats are mitigated and appropriate PPE is implemented.
• Conducting internal and external quality auditing and implementing safety measures based on the audit reports.
• Appropriate use of STET and hygiene practices.
• Designation of (chemical hygiene plan) CHP implementing personnel.
• Routine checks for the proper functioning of biosafety equipment such as a fume hood.
• Continuing education for the professionals regarding safety measures and new safety equipments.
• Worker safety training program for new employees.
• Proper lab attire with proper hygiene measures.
• Ensuring the proper functioning of fire-safety equipment.