Laboratories, Volume 2, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 3 articles

Polycarbonate laboratory safety glasses and facial shields were tested for impact resistance. Impacts from 22-caliber bullets fired from a firearm were compared with impacts of pellets fired from an air rifle. A low-weight pellet fired from an air rifle is a suitable and safer alternative to the use of a firearm. The results show that if there is a need for protection from flying projectiles, one should use multiple layers of protection. Furthermore, already-damaged protective equipment, even if the damage appears to be minor, may not provide any protection and should not be used. The resulting impacted polycarbonate lenses and sheets were used in a classroom discussion with the undergraduate chemistry students about polymer properties and adequate safety protection. Full article

This review recalls some ISO 15189:2022 requirements for the management of examination results and emerging alternatives to internal quality control (IQC) in relation to Italian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (SIPMeL) Recommendation Q19. We observed phenomena of contrasting “metrological”, or rather “tracealogic”, and “statistical” approaches. SIPMeL Recommendation Q19 enhances IQC with a moving average based on ISO 15189, which enables the use of the moving average of patient sample results (MA). In the veterinary field, the procedure of QC with repeat testing on patient samples (RPT-QC) has met with some success. The “Bayesian approach” of IQC makes use of the distinction between a priori probability, evidential probability (data) and a posteriori probability (IQC rules). SIPMeL Recommendation Q19 strictly adheres to the ISO 15189:2022 document. SIPMeL Q19 calls for abandoning the 1–2 s rule, using appropriate computer tools, not only control charts, and trying to reduce false positives to very low frequencies. Alternatives to IQC using patient results and the Bayesian approach are compatible with ISO 15189 and SIPMeL Q19. In contrast, the alternative using material designed for traceability with assigned values, is not compatible with the ISO standard. Full article

From an occupational health perspective, if not stored, handled, and disposed of properly, laboratory chemicals exhibit hazardous properties such as flammability, corrosion, and explosibility. Additionally, they can also cause a range of health effects in handlers, including irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity. Additionally, the chemical waste generated during the planned assay is a significant byproduct and, if left untreated, can cause detrimental effects on both living organisms and non-living elements when released into the environment. Chemically, laboratory waste contains reagents, organic and inorganic compounds, and diagnostic stains. These agents are more toxic and hazardous than residential waste and affect the personnel handling them and the environments in which they are released. Considering this, it is crucial to adhere to waste management regulations during the various stages including generation, segregation, collection, storage, transportation, and treatment. This is extremely important and necessary if we are to avoid harm to individuals and environmental contamination. This review encompasses the examination of laboratory medical waste, various categories of chemical waste, and strategies to minimize and ensure the safe disposal of these toxic agents. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first review that focuses on the effects of laboratory-generated chemical wastes and environmental ethics. This is a neglected topic in healthcare education, and this review will serve as a valuable resource for students. Full article