Master Laboratory Operations for your laboratory certification exam with our comprehensive collection of 71 (61-131) multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Focused exclusively on Lab Safety, these practice questions align with the latest syllabi of ASCP MLS, AMT MLT/MT, AIMS, CSMLS, IBMS, HAAD/DOH, DHA, and MOH exams. Each MCQ includes detailed explanations and references to reinforce key concepts. Sharpen your critical thinking, identify knowledge gaps, and build speed with exam-style questions—all for free. Ideal for targeted revision!
71 MCQs (61-131):
- What is the first step in case of a chemical spill in the lab?
a) Notify the instructor/supervisor
b) Immediately clean it up yourself
c) Evacuate the lab without reporting
d) Ignore it if it’s a small spill - Which of the following should NOT be worn in the laboratory?
a) Lab coat
b) Closed-toe shoes
c) Loose sleeves or jewelry
d) Safety goggles - What is the purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
a) To list the prices of chemicals
b) To provide hazard and safety information about chemicals
c) To track inventory in the lab
d) To record experimental data - Which fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires?
a) Water extinguisher
b) CO₂ extinguisher
c) Foam extinguisher
d) Wet chemical extinguisher - What should you do if a fire starts in the lab?
a) Throw water on it
b) Use the appropriate fire extinguisher and alert others
c) Run out of the lab without informing anyone
d) Cover it with a cloth - What is the correct way to smell a chemical?
a) Inhale deeply directly from the container
b) Use your hand to waft the fumes toward your nose
c) Taste a small amount first
d) Pour it on your skin to check the odor - Which of the following is NOT a proper lab practice?
a) Eating or drinking in the lab
b) Labeling all containers
c) Washing hands after experiments
d) Keeping work areas clean - What should you do if you get a chemical in your eyes?
a) Rub your eyes vigorously
b) Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical help
c) Ignore it if the burning stops quickly
d) Use a towel to wipe it off - What is the purpose of a fume hood?
a) To store chemicals safely
b) To provide ventilation and protect from harmful fumes
c) To increase room temperature
d) To hold glassware during experiments - Which of the following is NOT a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?
a) Lab coat
b) Gloves
c) Sandals
d) Safety goggles
- How should broken glass be disposed of?
a) In a regular trash bin
b) In a designated sharps or broken glass container
c) Leave it on the lab bench
d) Reuse it if possible - What does the NFPA diamond indicate?
a) Chemical reactivity, flammability, health hazard, and special hazards
b) The price of chemicals
c) The expiration date of chemicals
d) The manufacturer’s details - What is the correct way to dilute acids?
a) Add water to concentrated acid
b) Add concentrated acid to water slowly
c) Mix them quickly to avoid heat buildup
d) Use no water, just pure acid - Why should long hair be tied back in the lab?
a) To look professional
b) To prevent contamination of experiments
c) To avoid it catching fire or getting caught in equipment
d) To follow fashion trends - What should you do before leaving the lab?
a) Leave all equipment dirty for the next person
b) Wash hands, clean the workspace, and turn off equipment
c) Take chemicals with you
d) Forget to log out of computers - What is the primary purpose of an eyewash station?
a) To rinse chemicals off hands
b) To flush eyes in case of chemical exposure
c) To clean lab equipment
d) To store contact lens solution - Which of the following is NOT a safe way to handle flammable liquids?
a) Storing them away from heat sources
b) Using them near an open flame
c) Keeping containers tightly closed
d) Working in a fume hood - What should you do if a mercury thermometer breaks?
a) Sweep it up with a broom and discard it in the trash
b) Use a vacuum cleaner to collect the mercury
c) Evacuate the area and notify the lab supervisor for proper cleanup
d) Ignore it if the spill is small - What type of gloves should be used when handling corrosive chemicals?
a) Latex gloves
b) Nitrile or neoprene gloves
c) Cotton gloves
d) No gloves needed - What does the term “LD50” refer to?
a) The lethal dose that kills 50% of test subjects
b) The safe exposure limit for chemicals
c) The expiration date of a chemical
d) The density of a substance - Why should you never use cracked or chipped glassware?
a) It looks unprofessional
b) It may break during use and cause injury
c) It affects experimental accuracy
d) It is harder to clean - What is the correct procedure for heating a test tube?
a) Point it toward yourself for better visibility
b) Heat it directly at the bottom while holding it still
c) Heat it at an angle, moving it back and forth, and point it away from people
d) Use a microwave instead of a Bunsen burner - What should you do if a chemical splashes on your skin?
a) Rub it off with a dry cloth
b) Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
c) Apply a neutralizing chemical immediately
d) Ignore it if it doesn’t burn - What is the purpose of a safety shower?
a) To clean lab floors
b) To rinse large chemical spills on the body
c) To provide drinking water
d) To cool down hot equipment - Which of the following is NOT a biohazard symbol?
a) ☣ (Biohazard sign)
b) ☠ (Skull and crossbones)
c) ⚠ (General warning)
d) 🔥 (Fire symbol) - What should you do if you notice an unlabeled chemical in the lab?
a) Guess its identity based on color/smell
b) Use it carefully in an experiment
c) Report it to the supervisor and do not use it
d) Dispose of it in the sink - What is the best way to transport chemicals in the lab?
a) Carry them in your hands without a container
b) Use a sturdy secondary container (like a bucket or tray)
c) Throw them to a lab partner to save time
d) Pour them into a plastic bag - What does PPE stand for?
a) Personal Protective Equipment
b) Professional Protective Ensemble
c) Public Protection Entity
d) Proper Procedure Enforcement - Which of the following is NOT a proper waste disposal method?
a) Pouring chemicals down the sink
b) Using designated waste containers for hazardous materials
c) Segregating biohazard waste from regular trash
d) Following lab protocols for chemical disposal - What should you do before using a Bunsen burner?
a) Check for gas leaks and ensure proper ventilation
b) Use it in a closed room to prevent drafts
c) Ignite it near flammable liquids
d) Leave it unattended while heating
- What is the main hazard of compressed gas cylinders?
a) They may explode if damaged
b) They are too heavy to move
c) They change color over time
d) They are always empty - Why should you never work alone in the lab?
a) It is boring
b) In case of an emergency, no one can help
c) It violates lab fashion rules
d) Equipment works better with more people - What is the correct way to insert glass tubing into a stopper?
a) Push it in forcefully
b) Lubricate it with water or glycerin and twist gently
c) Use a hammer to secure it
d) Heat the glass until it melts into place - Which of the following is a physical hazard in the lab?
a) Toxic fumes
b) Slippery floors
c) Radioactive materials
d) Infectious bacteria - What should you do if you accidentally ingest a chemical?
a) Induce vomiting immediately
b) Rinse your mouth and seek medical help with the chemical’s MSDS
c) Drink milk to neutralize it
d) Ignore it if the amount was small - What is the purpose of a fire blanket?
a) To keep warm in the lab
b) To smother small fires or wrap around a person on fire
c) To clean lab benches
d) To cover broken glass - What does a “flammable” symbol indicate?
a) The chemical reacts with water
b) The chemical can catch fire easily
c) The chemical is radioactive
d) The chemical is safe to drink - How should you handle electrical equipment in the lab?
a) With wet hands
b) While standing on a metal surface
c) With dry hands and intact cords
d) Plug multiple devices into one outlet - What is the best way to prevent contamination in the lab?
a) Reusing disposable gloves
b) Washing hands and sterilizing equipment
c) Eating snacks while working
d) Sharing pipettes without cleaning - What is the first thing you should do in an emergency (e.g., fire, explosion)?
a) Start recording a video
b) Evacuate immediately and pull the fire alarm
c) Hide under a lab bench
d) Try to extinguish the fire alone - What is the primary risk of using dry ice?
a) It can cause frostbite upon contact
b) It is highly flammable
c) It explodes when mixed with water
d) It changes color unpredictably - Why should you never taste chemicals in the lab?
a) They might be delicious
b) Even small amounts can be toxic
c) It is against lab etiquette
d) Chemicals lose potency when tasted - What is the proper way to store volatile chemicals?
a) In open containers for easy access
b) In a well-ventilated, cool area away from sunlight
c) Next to heat sources to prevent condensation
d) In a refrigerator with food - What should you check before using a fire extinguisher?
a) Its color
b) Its expiration date
c) The type of fire it is rated for (e.g., Class A, B, C)
d) Its weight - What is the primary hazard of cryogenic liquids (e.g., liquid nitrogen)?
a) They are highly flammable
b) They cause severe frostbite and can explode sealed containers
c) They emit toxic fumes
d) They corrode metal surfaces - Why should laser safety goggles be specific to the laser’s wavelength?
a) Generic goggles block all light equally
b) Different wavelengths require specific optical densities for protection
c) Colored goggles match lab uniforms
d) Regulations require matching colors - What is the “first-aid” protocol for minor thermal burns?
a) Apply ice directly to the burn
b) Cool under running water for 10-15 minutes, then cover loosely
c) Pop blisters immediately
d) Apply ointments before rinsing - When should lab ventilation systems be checked?
a) Only when they break
b) Routinely (e.g., annually) and after maintenance
c) Every decade
d) When someone complains about odors - What is a critical safety step when storing chemicals in refrigerators?
a) Use lab-grade (explosion-proof) fridges only – never household units
b) Store food and chemicals together
c) Keep volatile chemicals in unsealed containers
d) Set temperature to freezing for all substances - What is the last step in using a Bunsen burner?
a) Turn off the gas and let it cool
b) Leave it burning for the next user
c) Blow on the flame to extinguish it
d) Disconnect the gas hose
- What is the primary purpose of a chemical fume hood?
a) To store chemicals long-term
b) To provide ventilation and protect from toxic fumes
c) To increase room temperature
d) To display lab equipment - Which of the following should NOT be done when handling a hot beaker?
a) Use tongs or heat-resistant gloves
b) Place it directly on a cold surface
c) Allow it to cool before cleaning
d) Label it as “Hot” for safety - What is the correct way to dispose of used microscope slides?
a) In a regular trash bin
b) In a sharps container or broken glass bin
c) Reuse them without cleaning
d) Wash them in the sink - Why should you never pipette by mouth?
a) It is unhygienic
b) It can lead to accidental ingestion of chemicals
c) It damages the pipette
d) Both a) and b) - What is the first thing you should do if a colleague collapses in the lab?
a) Shake them awake
b) Call emergency services and check for hazards
c) Pour water on their face
d) Ignore them and continue working - What does the “oxidizing” symbol indicate?
a) The chemical releases oxygen and worsens fires
b) The chemical is safe to drink
c) The chemical is flammable
d) The chemical is radioactive - How should you handle a spill of concentrated acid?
a) Neutralize it with a strong base immediately
b) Cover it with paper towels
c) Use a spill kit and follow lab protocols
d) Let it evaporate - What is the main risk of UV light in the lab?
a) It can damage eyes and skin
b) It makes the lab too bright
c) It attracts insects
d) It cools down equipment - What should you do if a fire alarm sounds in the lab?
a) Ignore it if you don’t see smoke
b) Finish your experiment first
c) Evacuate immediately and follow emergency exits
d) Hide under a table - Which of the following is NOT a safe practice for using centrifuges?
a) Balancing tubes properly
b) Opening the lid while it’s spinning
c) Securing the rotor lid before starting
d) Checking for cracks in tubes - What is the best way to prevent needle-stick injuries?
a) Recapping used needles
b) Using sharps containers and never recapping
c) Throwing needles in the trash
d) Reusing needles after washing - Why should you avoid wearing contact lenses in the lab?
a) Chemicals can get trapped behind them
b) They improve vision too much
c) They are expensive
d) They interfere with goggles - What is the purpose of a lab safety audit?
a) To check if lab equipment is expensive
b) To identify and correct safety hazards
c) To reduce the number of lab coats
d) To increase chemical usage - What should you do if a chemical smells strongly in the lab?
a) Ignore it if you feel fine
b) Increase ventilation and check for leaks
c) Spray air freshener
d) Taste the chemical to identify it - Which of the following is NOT a proper emergency contact?
a) Lab supervisor
b) Local fire department
c) Poison control center
d) Your best friend - What is the primary rule for working with radioactive materials?
a) Use the minimum amount necessary
b) Store them in a glass beaker
c) Handle them with bare hands
d) Dispose of them in the sink - Why should you never run in the lab?
a) It wastes energy
b) It increases the risk of spills and accidents
c) It disturbs experiments
d) It is against lab fashion rules - What is the best way to transport liquid nitrogen?
a) In an open beaker
b) In a sealed, vented Dewar flask
c) In a plastic bag
d) By carrying it in your hands - What should you do if a lab instrument malfunctions?
a) Try to fix it yourself
b) Unplug it and report it to the supervisor
c) Hit it to make it work
d) Continue using it carefully - What is the main purpose of a chemical spill kit?
a) To clean lab benches
b) To safely contain and neutralize spills
c) To store extra chemicals
d) To decorate the lab - What is the final step after completing an experiment?
a) Leave all equipment out for the next user
b) Clean up, dispose of waste properly, and wash hands
c) Take photos for social media
d) Forget to turn off gas valves
Answer Key
Answer Key:
- a) Notify the instructor/supervisor
- c) Loose sleeves or jewelry
- b) To provide hazard and safety information about chemicals
- b) CO₂ extinguisher
- b) Use the appropriate fire extinguisher and alert others
- b) Use your hand to waft the fumes toward your nose
- a) Eating or drinking in the lab
- b) Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical help
- b) To provide ventilation and protect from harmful fumes
- c) Sandals
- b) In a designated sharps or broken glass container
- a) Chemical reactivity, flammability, health hazard, and special hazards
- b) Add concentrated acid to water slowly
- c) To avoid it catching fire or getting caught in equipment
- b) Wash hands, clean the workspace, and turn off equipment
- b) To flush eyes in case of chemical exposure
- b) Using them near an open flame
- c) Evacuate the area and notify the lab supervisor for proper cleanup
- b) Nitrile or neoprene gloves
- a) The lethal dose that kills 50% of test subjects
- b) It may break during use and cause injury
- c) Heat it at an angle, moving it back and forth, and point it away from people
- b) Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
- b) To rinse large chemical spills on the body
- d) 🔥 (Fire symbol)
- c) Report it to the supervisor and do not use it
- b) Use a sturdy secondary container (like a bucket or tray)
- a) Personal Protective Equipment
- a) Pouring chemicals down the sink
- a) Check for gas leaks and ensure proper ventilation
- a) They may explode if damaged
- b) In case of an emergency, no one can help
- b) Lubricate it with water or glycerin and twist gently
- b) Slippery floors
- b) Rinse your mouth and seek medical help with the chemical’s MSDS
- b) To smother small fires or wrap around a person on fire
- b) The chemical can catch fire easily
- c) With dry hands and intact cords
- b) Washing hands and sterilizing equipment
- b) Evacuate immediately and pull the fire alarm
- a) It can cause frostbite upon contact
- b) Even small amounts can be toxic
- b) In a well-ventilated, cool area away from sunlight
- c) The type of fire it is rated for (e.g., Class A, B, C)
- b) They cause severe frostbite and can explode sealed containers
- b) Different wavelengths require specific optical densities for protection
- b) Cool under running water for 10-15 minutes, then cover loosely
- b) Routinely (e.g., annually) and after maintenance
- a) Use lab-grade (explosion-proof) fridges only – never household units
- a) Turn off the gas and let it cool
- b) To provide ventilation and protect from toxic fumes
- b) Place it directly on a cold surface
- b) In a sharps container or broken glass bin
- d) Both a) and b)
- b) Call emergency services and check for hazards
- a) The chemical releases oxygen and worsens fires
- c) Use a spill kit and follow lab protocols
- a) It can damage eyes and skin
- c) Evacuate immediately and follow emergency exits
- b) Opening the lid while it’s spinning
- b) Clean up, dispose of waste properly, and wash hands
- b) Using sharps containers and never recapping
- a) Chemicals can get trapped behind them
- b) To identify and correct safety hazards
- b) Increase ventilation and check for leaks
- d) Your best friend
- a) Use the minimum amount necessary
- b) It increases the risk of spills and accidents
- b) In a sealed, vented Dewar flask
- b) Unplug it and report it to the supervisor
- b) To safely contain and neutralize spills
Top 8 Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Exams:
Top 8 Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Exams that are recognized globally and can help professionals validate their credentials and enhance their career opportunities:
1. ASCP – American Society for Clinical Pathology (USA)
- Exam Name: MLS(ASCP)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with clinical laboratory experience.
- Global Recognition: High
- Purpose: Certifies Medical Laboratory Scientists in the United States and internationally.
2. AMT – American Medical Technologists (USA)
- Exam Name: MLT(AMT) or MT(AMT)
- Eligibility: Academic and/or work experience in medical laboratory technology.
- Global Recognition: Moderate
- Purpose: Credentialing for medical technologists and technicians.
3. AIMS – Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists
- Exam Name: AIMS Certification Exam
- Eligibility: Assessment of qualifications and work experience.
- Recognition: Required for practice in Australia.
- Purpose: Certification and registration in Australia.
4. CSMLS – Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
- Exam Name: CSMLS General or Subject-specific Exams
- Eligibility: Graduation from a CSMLS-accredited program or equivalent.
- Recognition: Canada
- Purpose: Entry-to-practice certification in Canada.
5. IBMS – Institute of Biomedical Science (UK)
- Exam Name: Registration and Specialist Portfolio Assessment
- Eligibility: Accredited degree and lab experience.
- Recognition: UK and some Commonwealth countries.
- Purpose: Biomedical Scientist registration with the HCPC (UK).
6. HAAD / DOH – Department of Health, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- Exam Name: DOH/HAAD License Exam
- Eligibility: Degree in medical laboratory science and experience.
- Recognition: UAE (Abu Dhabi)
- Purpose: Licensure for medical laboratory practice in Abu Dhabi.
7. DHA – Dubai Health Authority (UAE)
- Exam Name: DHA License Exam for Medical Laboratory Technologists
- Eligibility: Relevant degree and experience.
- Recognition: Dubai, UAE
- Purpose: Professional license for clinical laboratory practice in Dubai.
8. MOH – Ministry of Health (Gulf Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait)
- Exam Name: MOH License Exam
- Eligibility: BSc/Diploma in Medical Laboratory + experience.
- Recognition: Varies by country.
- Purpose: Required for practicing in public and private sector labs.
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#ASCPMLS #MLSexam #LabTech #MedicalLaboratory #BOCexam #FreePracticeQuestions #QualityControl #LaboratorySafety
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