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List of Precautions for Serology Departments

Serology, according to the Web MD website, is the branch of science dealing with serum, or body fluids, such as blood. A serologist's work is to draw blood for testing for certain diseases, such as Hepatitis B, HIV and certain forms of cancer. Indeed, serology lab workers expose themselves to the possibility of infection from a number of occupational hazards. However, by taking certain precautions they can minimize these risks.

  1. Hands

    • According to the U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), all serology laboratories must require that their employees wash their hands and any other skin with soap and water. Such employers should also teach employees to wash any mucous membranes that may have incurred exposure during a body fluid spill, as soon as is possible.

      In addition, since the outbreak of the H1N1 2009 virus, it is also advisable to use the sanitizer dispensers to sanitize their hands each time they cough or sneeze, and just before and after their lunch break.

    Upper Body

    • Employees who work in serology labs should wear protective aprons and gowns to protect upper body parts or clothing from coming into contact with blood or other body fluids. The Virology Online website recommends disposable aprons. Workers are able to change these periodically, replacing them with fresh ones and throwing the used ones away.

    Medical Tests for Prospective Employees

    • It is advisable for serology labs to require all prospective workers to undergo comprehensive health screenings. According to Virology Online, such screenings should include the review of the prospective employee's medical history, a complete physical, clinical chemistry, a urinalysis and a chest X-ray. Chest x-rays are important to detect screening for tuberculosis, in addition to the standard tuberculin test.

    Sterilization

    • According to OSHA, serology lab workers must keep their work area clean and sterile. Following a regimen of washing, rinsing and sanitizing all surfaces and equipment is necessary. While cleaning, all workers should wear gloves and follow standard procedures for handling blood and other potentially infected body fluids. Use a disinfectant for the hard surfaces; when mopping the floor of your work area, remember that bleach is a disinfectant as well.

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