Which of the following practices can help prevent cross-contamination in a laboratory or clinical setting?

• A. Storing all food items together regardless of type
• B. Using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables
• C. Handling sterile and non-sterile items with the same gloves
• D. Skipping handwashing between handling different samples

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of cross-contamination: it occurs when harmful microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another, potentially causing infection or contamination.
2. Identify practices that reduce the risk of transferring microbes between different items or samples, such as using separate tools or equipment for different types of materials.
3. Recognize that storing all food items together regardless of type can increase the risk of cross-contamination, especially between raw and cooked foods.
4. Note that handling sterile and non-sterile items with the same gloves can transfer contaminants from non-sterile to sterile items, increasing contamination risk.
5. Understand that skipping handwashing between handling different samples allows microbes to transfer from one sample to another, promoting cross-contamination.