What precautions should be taken when handling specimens?

When handling specimens, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring proper labeling is essential to maintaining safety and preventing contamination. PPE includes items like gloves, goggles, lab coats, and masks, which protect the individual from exposure to potentially hazardous materials and biological agents. This minimizes the risk of infection and protects both the lab worker and the specimen being handled.

Proper labeling is equally important, as it helps prevent mix-ups and ensures that specimens are accurately identified throughout processing and testing. Accurate labeling is critical in avoiding diagnostic errors, which can lead to incorrect treatment for patients.

In contrast, minimizing the use of lab coats does not contribute to safety and may increase the risk of exposure. Avoiding gloves can lead to direct contact with biological materials, which is dangerous. Additionally, only wearing masks if instructed does not account for the potential risks associated with handling infectious specimens, where masks may be necessary at all times. Thus, the emphasis on PPE and proper labeling is fundamental to safe laboratory practices.