Title: Follow institutional protocol and safety procedures.
Course: Medical Laboratory Technology I (14102-I) > Section: Maintaining a Safe Environment

Following institutional protocol and safety procedures should include using methods or techniques in an industry-approved, safe manner and should reflect an understanding of the following concepts:

- Laboratory technicians are bound by OSHA laboratory-safety regulations and NFPA chemical-exposure regulations.
- Protocols are detailed plans for carrying out a specific process (e.g., assessment of patient’s health status).
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are step-by-step instructions for conducting tests and experiments or for performing other practices, using prescribed methods or techniques.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How do protocols and SOPs differ?
- Why do certain industry or government protocols exist in the laboratory setting?
- What dangers may exist if a laboratory technician does not follow SOPs or protocols?