Case Study Week 3
You are a member of a newly established laboratory in a major healthcare facility. You are
responsible for ensuring that the laboratory maintains an aseptic environment for handling and
testing samples as well as ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel. The specific areas you will be
in charge of include the following: general cleanliness of the
floors/benchtops/refrigerators/incubators, sterilization of glassware and metal tools, maintenance of
aseptic conditions while working in the hood/biosafety cabinet, and prevention of contamination by
the handling of samples and disposal of biohazardous wastes.
Discussion
1. On the basis of the responsibilities listed in this scenario, discuss the factors you would consider
in determining how to prevent contamination, control microbial growth, and ensure the safety of
samples and laboratory personnel.
To prevent contamination, control microbial growth, and ensure the safety of samples and laboratory
personnel, I would clean the floors/ benchtops/ refrigerators/ and incubators daily using disinfectants.
Sterilization of glassware and metal tools I would use the autoclave to sterilize equipment. Use
disinfectant while and after work in the hoods. Always wash hands before and after handling
samples and disposal of biohazardous wastes. Always use PPE to protect yourself and others.
2. For those cases in which chemical control is appropriate, recommend the best chemicals for use,
taking into account effectiveness, potential adverse effects, and personnel safety.
Alcohol at least 70%, QUATS, Bleach, and Lysol are appropriate chemicals which Sterilize
and Disinfect non-living surfaces.
You are a member of a newly established laboratory in a major healthcare facility. You are
responsible for ensuring that the laboratory maintains an aseptic environment for handling and
testing samples as well as ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel. The specific areas you will be
in charge of include the following: general cleanliness of the
floors/benchtops/refrigerators/incubators, sterilization of glassware and metal tools, maintenance of
aseptic conditions while working in the hood/biosafety cabinet, and prevention of contamination by
the handling of samples and disposal of biohazardous wastes.
Discussion
1. On the basis of the responsibilities listed in this scenario, discuss the factors you would consider
in determining how to prevent contamination, control microbial growth, and ensure the safety of
samples and laboratory personnel.
To prevent contamination, control microbial growth, and ensure the safety of samples and laboratory
personnel, I would clean the floors/ benchtops/ refrigerators/ and incubators daily using disinfectants.
Sterilization of glassware and metal tools I would use the autoclave to sterilize equipment. Use
disinfectant while and after work in the hoods. Always wash hands before and after handling
samples and disposal of biohazardous wastes. Always use PPE to protect yourself and others.
2. For those cases in which chemical control is appropriate, recommend the best chemicals for use,
taking into account effectiveness, potential adverse effects, and personnel safety.
Alcohol at least 70%, QUATS, Bleach, and Lysol are appropriate chemicals which Sterilize
and Disinfect non-living surfaces.
