CSMLS Safety Manual Practice Test 2025 – The Complete Guide to Exam Success!

Slides that are not fixed or stained should indeed be considered infectious. This understanding is rooted in safety protocols that prioritize the handling of biological materials, particularly in laboratory settings where exposure to pathogens can occur. Unfixed or unstained slides may still contain viable microorganisms or pathogens that could pose a risk to laboratory personnel.

By treating these slides as potentially infectious, the safety protocols ensure that appropriate precautions are taken, such as using personal protective equipment (PPE), proper waste disposal, and adherence to biosafety guidelines. In this context, even if the slides appear to be harmless, it is prudent to assume they could still harbor infectious agents until proven otherwise through appropriate testing or handling procedures.

This cautious approach helps prevent accidental exposure or infection and aligns with the standard practices of many laboratory safety guidelines. In contrast, other options downplay the infectious potential of such slides, which could result in unsafe practices and increased risk in the lab environment.