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Blood Bank

Safety

Safety in Blood Bank is a critical operational component governed primarily by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Because the laboratory processes high volumes of human blood products and utilizes hazardous chemicals for preservation and testing, the risk of exposure to biological and physical hazards is significant. The laboratory implements safety through a “Hierarchy of Controls,” prioritizing physical barriers and standardized behaviors over reliance on protective gear alone

Safety Programs & Practices

The foundation of the laboratory safety program is the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which mandates the use of Standard Precautions. This approach treats all human blood, body fluids, and secretions as if they are known to be infectious for HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). There is no distinction made between “high-risk” and “low-risk” specimens

Hierarchy of Controls

  • Engineering Controls: These are physical devices that isolate the worker from the hazard. In Blood Bank, this includes puncture-resistant sharps containers, plastic capillaries (mylar-wrapped) to prevent breakage, and automated segment-piercing devices to eliminate the need for manual cutting of donor tubing
  • Work Practice Controls: These are behavioral modifications
    • Hand Hygiene: The single most effective method of infection control. Hands must be washed immediately after glove removal and before leaving the lab
    • Sharps Safety: Needles must never be recapped by hand. Donor segments should be opened away from the face, preferably behind a splash shield
    • Hygiene: Eating, drinking, smoking, and applying cosmetics are strictly prohibited in the technical area
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This is the last line of defense
    • Gloves: Must be worn for all specimen handling
    • Face Protection: Chin-length face shields or goggles with masks are mandatory during procedures that generate splashes, such as opening segments or uncapping tubes
    • Lab Coats: Fluid-resistant coats must be buttoned and removed before leaving the work area

Chemical Safety (SDS)

Under the Hazard Communication Standard (“Right to Understand”), all employees must have access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical in the lab. These follow the GHS 16-section format

  • Sodium Azide: A preservative in antisera that can form explosive salts in copper plumbing; sinks must be flushed with water after disposal
  • Liquid Nitrogen: Used for frozen cell storage; requires specific training regarding asphyxiation hazards (oxygen displacement) and cryogenic burns

Emergency Procedures

Despite preventative measures, accidents occur. Immediate and correct responses to emergencies can prevent minor incidents from becoming permanent injuries or infections

Biological Exposure (Needlesticks & Splashes)

  • Percutaneous Injury (Needlestick/Cut)
    • Wash: Immediately wash the site with soap and water. Do not squeeze the wound (“milking”) and do not use bleach
    • Report: Notify the supervisor immediately to initiate the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) protocol
    • Evaluate: Seek medical evaluation for baseline testing and potential treatment (e.g., antiretrovirals or HBIG)
  • Mucous Membrane Exposure (Splash)
    • Eyes: Proceed to the eyewash station. Hold eyelids open and flush for a minimum of 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present
    • Mouth/Nose: Rinse thoroughly with water (do not swallow)

Fire Safety

Fire response is dictated by the RACE acronym:

  • R - Rescue: Remove individuals from immediate danger
  • A - Alarm: Activate the pull station and call the emergency code
  • C - Contain: Close doors and windows to limit oxygen and smoke spread
  • E - Extinguish/Evacuate: Use an extinguisher for small fires or evacuate the area

To use a fire extinguisher, follow the PASS acronym:

  • P - Pull: the pin
  • A - Aim: at the base of the fire
  • S - Squeeze: the handle
  • S - Sweep: side to side

Chemical & Physical Emergencies

  • Chemical Spills on Skin: Proceed to the safety shower. Remove contaminated clothing and rinse for 15 minutes. Do not attempt to neutralize acids or bases on the skin, as the reaction generates heat
  • Liquid Nitrogen Leaks: If a large spill occurs, the immediate danger is oxygen displacement. Evacuate the area to prevent asphyxiation and do not return until oxygen levels are verified safe