HIV/AIDS Precautions - Laboratories

Consider blood and body fluids from all patients as infective. Refer to Routine Practices for preventing transmission of bloodborne infectious diseases.

Report immediately suspect fluid exposure, or a needlestick or sharp injury to a designated person or health care professional.   

Please also see the OSH Answers document HIV/AIDS in the Workplace for more information.

Wear gloves:

• when processing blood or body fluid specimens
• when handling contaminated articles
• during cleaning and decontamination procedures

Change gloves after processing specimen.

Wear gowns while working with potentially infectious material.

Wear masks and protective eye wear:

• if mucous membrane contact is likely
• if there is potential for splashing

Remove protective clothing before leaving laboratory.

Wash hands:

• after processing specimens
• after completing laboratory activities
• after removing protective clothing
• after a glove tear or suspected glove leak
• before leaving laboratory

Do not pipette by mouth.

• Use needles only when there is no alternative. Consider needles and sharp instruments as being infected.
• Use puncture-resistant containers. Label containers – for example "CAUTION: WASTE SHARPS".
• Clean and sterilize reusable syringes before reusing.
• Do not recap, bend, break or remove needles by hand from disposable syringes or otherwise handle after use.

Laboratory surfaces should be decontaminated:

• After a spill of blood or body fluid. Disinfect with a medical grade disinfectant.
• Before reprocessing contaminated material used in lab tests.
• When work activities have been completed.

• Place contaminated laboratory test material in bags and dispose according to policy for infectious waste.
• Put specimen into a sturdy container with secure lid to prevent leaking.
• Avoid contaminating outside of container and accompanying laboratory form.
• Place container in a clear, impervious plastic bag.