Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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What procedure should be followed when separating serum from a suspected AIDS patient?

Wear a mask
Wear a gown
Autoclave the specimen before separating
Follow standard precautions

The correct answer is: Follow standard precautions

Following standard precautions is essential when handling specimens from any patient, particularly those suspected of having AIDS. Standard precautions are designed to protect healthcare workers and prevent the transmission of infectious agents. This includes practices such as using personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and gowns, safely handling specimens, and practicing hand hygiene. In the case of a suspected AIDS patient, following standard precautions ensures that workers are protected from potential exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens. These precautions encompass a range of safety measures rather than solely focusing on one aspect like wearing a mask or gown, making it a comprehensive approach to infection control. In this context, while wearing a mask or gown can be part of infection control measures, they do not encompass the full range of practices outlined in standard precautions, which include other critical steps like proper disposal of sharp instruments and compliance with sterilization protocols. Autoclaving the specimen is not a typical procedure for separating serum and could compromise the integrity of the sample. Therefore, adherence to standard precautions is the most appropriate and effective procedure in this scenario.