Question

Why must medical laboratory technologists protect themselves in the course of their work?
Because the specimens they handle can include infected tissues
Because they can be exposed to radiation from X-rays
Because they must handle heavy equipment that can cause injury
Because they can breathe in toxic fumes from MRI machines

Answer 1

Correct answers: 1 and 3.

- Because the specimens they handle can include infected tissues — yes. Biological hazards (blood, body fluids, tissues, aerosols) are a primary risk and require standard precautions and PPE.
- Because they must handle heavy equipment that can cause injury — yes. Physical/ergonomic hazards and moving or servicing large instruments can cause injury.

Why the others are incorrect:
- Exposure to X-rays — not typically: X‑rays are a radiology hazard, not a routine exposure for most clinical lab technologists (except in labs that handle radiopharmaceuticals, which is a different, controlled risk).
- Breathing toxic fumes from MRI machines — no: MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy, it does not produce toxic fumes. (Chemical fumes can be a lab hazard, but not from MRI.)