Rubber-stoppered test tubes should be opened slowly with a gauze square over the stopper.

Question

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All laboratories need programs to minimize risks to the health and safety of employees,volunteers,and patients.Suitable physical arrangements,an acceptable work environment,and appropriate equipment need to be available to maintain safe operations.In addition to Standard Precautions,a variety of other safety practices should be adhered to in order to reduce the risk of inadvertent contamination with blood or certain body fluids.These practices include the following:
 1.All devices in contact with blood that are capable of transmitting infection to the donor or recipient must be sterile and nonreusable.
 2.Food and drinks should not be consumed in work areas or stored in the same area as specimens.Containers,refrigerators,or freezers used for specimens should be marked as containing a biohazard.
 3.Specimens needing centrifugation should be capped and placed into a centrifuge with a sealed dome.
 4.Slowly place a gauze square over and carefully open rubber-stoppered test tubes with the gauze over the stopper to minimize aerosol production (the introduction of substances into the air).
 5.Use autodilutors or safety bulbs for pipetting.Pipetting by mouth of any clinical material must be strictly forbidden.

Rubber-Stoppered Test Tubes Should Be Opened Slowly with a Gauze