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Cytogenetics

Laboratory Safety

Safety in the cytogenetics laboratory is paramount due to the routine handling of fresh human tissue, hazardous organic solvents, and sharp instruments. A robust safety program integrates physical barriers, administrative protocols, and continuous education to protect personnel and the environment

Biological Hazard Safety

  • Standard Precautions: All specimens (blood, marrow, amniotic fluid) are treated as if infectious for HIV, HBV, and HCV
  • PPE: Gloves (Nitrile), fluid-resistant lab coats, and face protection (during splash-risk activities like harvesting) are mandatory
  • Engineering Controls
    • Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC): Class II, Type A2 cabinets provide personnel, product, and environmental protection
    • Airflow: Sash height must be maintained at the certified level; air grilles must remain unblocked
  • Decontamination: Work surfaces are cleaned with 70% Ethanol daily. Spills are treated with 10% Bleach (20-minute contact time)

Chemical Hazard Plans

  • Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP): The master operational document detailing procedures to mitigate chemical risks
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Must be accessible 24/7. Key sections include Hazard Identification (GHS symbols), First Aid, and Spill Measures
  • Specific Hazards
    • Methanol/Acetic Acid (Fixative): Flammable and toxic; must be mixed in a fume hood (not a BSC)
    • Formamide: Teratogen used in FISH; requires strict exposure control
  • Storage: Flammables in yellow safety cabinets; Acids and Bases segregated

Fire Safety

  • Classes of Fire: Class A (Paper), Class B (Flammable Liquids – Methanol/Xylene), Class C (Electrical)
  • Emergency Response (RACE): Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate
  • Extinguisher Use (PASS): Pull, Aim (at base), Squeeze, Sweep
  • Prevention: Limit open benchtop volume of flammables; eliminate open flames (alcohol lamps) where possible

Disposal & Waste Management

  • Biohazard (Red Bag): Soft items contaminated with blood/fluid (gloves, plastic pipettes)
  • Sharps (Red Rigid Container): Needles, scalpels, and all glass slides/Pasteur pipettes (even if unbroken). Never recap needles
  • Clean Glass (Cardboard Box): Uncontaminated broken glass only
  • Liquid Waste
    • Biological: Treat with bleach (10%) \(\rightarrow\) Drain
    • Chemical: Solvents (Fixative/Xylene) \(\rightarrow\) Hazardous Waste Drum (Never down the drain)

Ergonomics

  • Microscope: Adjust chair height to keep feet flat; use tilting oculars to maintain a vertical neck posture; rest forearms on the bench to prevent shoulder strain
  • BSC: Work within the “Primary Reach Zone” (14–16 inches); use foam armrests to prevent contact stress on forearms
  • Digital Work: Monitor at eye level; frequent “micro-breaks” to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Laboratory Accidents

  • Percutaneous (Sharps): Wash wound with soap/water immediately. Do not squeeze. Report incident for evaluation
  • Splashes
    • Eyes: Flush at eyewash station for 15 minutes
    • Skin: Use safety shower for large exposures (remove contaminated clothing)
  • Spills: Contain with absorbent material \(\rightarrow\) Disinfect with Bleach (Bio) or Neutralizer (Chem) \(\rightarrow\) Clean up
  • Reporting: All accidents require an Incident Report and immediate Medical Evaluation (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis if necessary)

Safety Training

  • Frequency: Initial (upon hire) and Annual Retraining are mandatory (OSHA)
  • Curriculum: Must cover Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical Hygiene/SDS, Fire Safety, and PPE use
  • Vaccination: Hepatitis B vaccination must be offered free of charge within 10 days of assignment
  • Documentation: All training and competency assessments must be documented and retained in personnel files