Laboratories should always follow standard precautions whenever handling suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 clinical specimens that may contain potentially infectious materials. An activity—and site-specific risk assessment should determine the exact implementation of standard precautions, which may vary between laboratories.
Standard precautions and practices common in the clinical laboratory include:
- Following routine laboratory practices and procedures for decontaminating work surfaces and managing laboratory waste.
- Hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as laboratory coats or gowns, gloves, and eye protection when indicated.
- Additional practices to ensure respiratory hygiene, sharps safety, safe injection practices, and effective management of sterilization and disinfection for equipment and environmental surfaces.
- If needed, additional precautions, such as a surgical mask or face shield, or other physical barriers, such as a splash shield to work behind, can be used.
Further information about standard precautions can be found from the CDC
here.
