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Blood Bank

Programs & Practices

Safety in Blood Bank is a rigorous discipline governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), specifically the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and the Hazard Communication Standard. Because laboratory scientists in this department handle large volumes of human blood and hazardous chemicals (like liquid nitrogen and sodium azide), safety programs are designed to minimize risk through a “Hierarchy of Controls.” This system prioritizes engineering controls and safe work practices, utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as the final layer of defense

Prevention of Infection with Bloodborne Pathogens

The cornerstone of infection control in the laboratory is Standard Precautions, which dictates that all human blood and certain body fluids must be treated as if they are known to be infectious for HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and other pathogens. Prevention programs focus on breaking the chain of infection through physical barriers and immunization

  • Engineering Controls: These are physical devices that isolate the worker from the hazard. In Blood Bank, this includes the use of primary containers (vacuum tubes), needleless transfer systems, and mechanical segment piercing devices to avoid the spray associated with manual cutting of donor tubing
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination: OSHA requires that the Hepatitis B vaccine series be offered to all employees with occupational exposure at no cost. Employees have the right to decline but must sign a formal declination
  • Post-Exposure Management: A formal “Post-Exposure Prophylaxis” (PEP) plan must be in place. If an exposure occurs (e.g., a needlestick or splash), the site must be washed immediately, the incident reported, and the employee must receive a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up testing

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE serves as the final barrier between the laboratory scientist and infectious materials. It is considered the least effective control in the hierarchy because it relies on the individual to wear it correctly and consistently

  • Hand Protection: Gloves (preferably nitrile) are mandatory when handling any blood specimen or reagent derived from human sources. They must be changed if punctured or torn and removed before touching “clean” surfaces like telephones or keyboards
  • Body Protection: Fluid-resistant laboratory coats must be worn to protect skin and street clothes. These coats must be buttoned, have cuffed sleeves, and be removed before leaving the laboratory area. Laundering of these coats must be handled by the employer, never taken home
  • Face and Eye Protection: Because cutting segments or uncapping tubes can create splashes or aerosols, chin-length face shields or goggles combined with masks are required. Standard prescription eyeglasses are not considered PPE as they lack side shields and fluid-rated lenses

Safe Work Practices

Safe work practices are behavioral modifications that reduce the risk of exposure by altering how tasks are performed. These practices rely on the discipline of the laboratory scientist to maintain a safe environment

  • Hand Hygiene: This is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Hands must be washed with soap and water immediately after glove removal, before leaving the lab, and after any accidental contact with blood
  • Sharps Safety: Needles must never be recapped, bent, or broken. In Blood Bank, donor segments should be opened using gauze to catch potential spray and pointed away from the face. All sharps must be discarded in puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers
  • Aerosol Minimization: Centrifuges must be kept closed during operation. If a tube breaks, the centrifuge must remain closed for 30 minutes to allow aerosols to settle before decontamination begins
  • Workplace Hygiene: Eating, drinking, smoking, and applying cosmetics or contact lenses are strictly prohibited in the technical work area. These actions facilitate the accidental ingestion of pathogens

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Chemicals & Reagents

While biological hazards are the most frequent concern, Blood Bank also utilizes hazardous chemicals and reagents. The Hazard Communication Standard (also known as the “Right to Understand”) requires that all employees have access to information regarding the chemical hazards in their workplace via Safety Data Sheets

  • The GHS Format: SDS follow a standardized 16-section format established by the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). This allows a laboratory scientist to quickly locate information on first aid (Section 4), firefighting (Section 5), or PPE requirements (Section 8)
  • Blood Bank Specific Hazards
    • Sodium Azide: Used as a preservative in almost all commercial antisera (Anti-A, Anti-B, etc.). It is toxic and can react with lead/copper plumbing to form explosive metal azides. Sinks must be flushed with copious water after disposal
    • Liquid Nitrogen: Used for rare cell storage. It presents an asphyxiation hazard (displaces oxygen) and a cryogenic burn hazard, requiring specialized gloves and face shields
    • Secondary Labeling: If a chemical is moved to a smaller container (e.g., 70% alcohol for a bench container), that container must be labeled with the product name and its hazards as identified on the SDS
  • Accessibility: SDS must be readily accessible to all employees during all work shifts. They cannot be stored behind a locked door or in a system that requires a password unavailable to the bench tech