UNC School of Medicine
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Safety in the Profession of Clinical Laboratory Science
You are preparing to enter a profession that has many rewards and opportunities for personal growth. As in many health care professions, however, there are risks in clinical laboratory science and it is important to be aware of those risks. In dealing with patients and patients' samples, there is a risk of exposure to infectious agents and, in performing some laboratory testing, there is a risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Because of the risks involved in this profession, the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science provides each student with extensive safety instruction. We also make sure that the clinical laboratory settings provide appropriate safety equipment and procedures so that unnecessary risk is avoided. We will provide instructions for appropriate care in the event of an accident in the laboratory.
It is your responsibility to learn and follow safety procedures. Your safety is always your responsibility. If you have any questions about safety procedures or the availability of the appropriate protective equipment, notify your clinical supervisor or the CLS Division Director immediately. Each student must receive safety training annually.
Radiation Safety
Some molecular laboratories use radionucleotides, specifically, P-32 . This is a beta emitter, which is not as penetrating as gamma rays or x-rays. When it is used, plexiglass shields are employed to protect the technologist. Since radionucleotide use is very limited in these labs, we will not be issuing you a film badge to monitor exposure. For that reason you should not participate in any procedural steps involving the direct handling of radionucleotides. For more information, go to the UNC Environmental Health and Safety website at www.ehs.unc.edu and click on "radiation safety" and then "manuals".
Tuberculosis and Fit-Tested Masks
In your clinical rotations, you will not be going into rooms where there are cases of known TB because you have not been fitted with the special masks. If the teaching tech you are with is wearing a special fit tested mask for a procedure, then you should not participate.
Go to Student Laboratory Rules