Essay Forensic Follow Up

Submitted By Lolliepop3
Words: 665
Pages: 3

Summary of what the article was about:

The article that I have found and chose to write about, “Blood, Sweat, and Fears” by Vince McLeod and Glenn Ketcham discusses the significant concerns for forensic scientist and the preventing of potential contact contamination of body fluids during collection of evidence in the field or evaluation and analysis in the laboratory. The article explains that any inadvertent exposures to diseases like HIV, hepatitis virus or other pathogens that pose risks should never be overlooked when coming to contamination. McLeod and Ketcham explain that needle sticks, cuts splashes and many other events can alarm many different numbers of exposures and are reported in hundreds of cases a year. “Blood, Sweat and Fears” explains that not too long ago the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health had requested to perform mandatory evaluations of offices and labs, to address many concerns of potential biological hazards like blood borne pathogens. When the results were released, the practices were poor and many labs lacked adequate ventilation which posed a very high risk for air contamination of lab test samples. OSHA, which is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, enforces a contamination protocol that applies to all exposures of blood and any other potentially infectious materials. These materials would include blood of humans, animals, and body fluids such as saliva, semen or any other body fluid that is contaminated with blood. McLeod also mentions that under this protocol, any unfixed tissue or organ from a human living or dead is also at risk for contamination in cell cultures or tissues being tested. Blood, Sweat and Fears states that when applying OSHSA standards for avoiding contamination for exposures, a mandated plan must be followed that involves a written document designed to eliminate the risk of employee exposures, as well as test out new technology and safety equipment and other devices to help reduce contamination exposure in the lab. Although OSHA’s general standards meet the Methods of Compliance, it’s important that the proper training and communication about contamination is expressed, and what body fluids present the greatest risk to exposure. Blood, Sweat and Fears also lists that there are proper techniques and safety precautions that must be followed when handling blood or body fluids in a lab or on a crime scene. Generally, it’s a golden rule to help prevent exposures of blood or bodily fluid evidence. McLeod and Ketcham explained that most forensic scientist and evidence collectors use