Basic Microbiology Laboratory Safety

Question 1

is used to describe the safe methods and procedures for handling and managing microorganisms in the laboratory

Answer 1

containment

Question 2

An important laboratory procedure practiced by all microbiologists that will guarantee containment is ____________________, which prevents workers from contaminating themselves with microorganisms, ensures that others and
the work area do not become contaminated, and also
ensures that microbial cultures do not become unnecessarily contaminated with unwanted organisms.

Answer 2

aseptic technique

Question 3

agents not known to cause disease in healthy adults; standard microbiological practices (SMP) apply; no safety equipment required; sinks required.

Answer 3

BSL 1

Question 4

agents associated with human disease; standard microbiological practices apply plus limited access, biohazard signs, sharps precautions, and a biosafety manual required. Biosafety cabinet (BSC) used for aerosol/splash generating operations; lab coats, gloves, face protection required; contaminated waste is autoclaved.

Answer 4

BSL 2

Question 5

are special, often unique environments that may pose identifiable infectious disease risks to persons who work in or near them. Infections have been contacted in the
laboratory throughout the history of microbiology.

Answer 5

Microbiological laboratories

Question 6

Early reports described laboratory-associated
cases of

Answer 6

typhoid, cholera, glanders, brucellosis, and tetanus

Question 7

Recent reports have documented
laboratory-acquired cases in laboratory workers and
health-care personnel involving

Answer 7

Bacillus anthracis, Bordetella pertussis, Brucella, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Campylobacter, Chlamydia, and toxins from Clostridium tetani, Clostridium botulinum, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Question 8

classifies organisms into levels and sets
guidelines for handling and safety measures required

Answer 8

Centers for Disease Control

Question 9

ndigenous/exotic agents that may have serious or lethal consequences and with a potential for aerosol transmission

Answer 9

BSL 3

Question 10

dangerous/exotic agents of a lifethreatening nature or unknown risk of transmission

Answer 10

BSL 4

Question 11

are to be lined with clear autoclave bags; disposable
petri plates, used gloves, and any materials such as
contaminated paper towels should be discarded in
these containers; no glassware, test tubes, or sharp
items are to be disposed of in biohazard containers.

Answer 11

Biohazard containers

Question 12

sharps, slides, coverslips, broken glass, disposable pipettes, and Pasteur pipettes should be discarded in these containers. If instructed to do so, you can discard contaminated swabs, wooden sticks, and microfuge tubes in the sharps containers.

Answer 12

Sharps containers

Question 13

contaminated culture tubes and glassware used to store media and other glassware should be placed in these
areas for decontamination and washing

Answer 13

Discard shelves, carts, bins, etc.

Question 14

any noncontaminated materials, paper, or trash should be discarded in these containers. Under no circumstances should laboratory waste be disposed of in trash cans.

Answer 14

Trash cans

Question 15

Dispose of all contaminated materials properly and in
the appropriate containers:

Answer 15

• Biohazard containers
• Sharps containers
• Discard shelves, carts, bins, etc.
• Trash cans

Question 16

Not likely to pose a disease risk to healthy adults

Answer 16

BSL 1

Question 17

Poses a moderate risk to healthy adults; unlikely to
spread throughout community; effective treatment
readily available.

Answer 17

BSL 2

Question 18

Can cause disease in healthy adults; may spread to
community; effective treatment readily available

Answer 18

BSL 3

Question 19

Can cause disease in healthy adults; poses a lethal
risk and does not respond to vaccines or antimicrobial
therapy.

Answer 19

BSL 4