Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory - libdoc.who.int

3. General laboratory procedures 99Acid splashes in the eye●●●Wash the eye immediately with large quantities of water sprayed from apolyethylene bottle (or rubber bulb) for 15min (Fig. 3.76); squirt the water intothe corner of the eye near the nose. Alternatively, wash the eye with runningwater from a tap (Fig. 3.77). Ask the patient to close the eye that is not affected.After washing, put 4 drops of a 2% solution of sodium bicarbonate into the eye.Send for a physician. Continue to apply bicarbonate solution to the eye until thephysician arrives.Fig. 3.76 Rinsing the eye using apolyethylene bottleFig. 3.77 Rinsing the eye under the tapSwallowing acidsIf acid is accidentally swallowed:● Send for a physician.● Make the patient drink some milk immediately (alternatively, two egg whitesmixed with 500ml of water may be given). If neither of these is available, thepatient should drink ordinary water.● Make the patient gargle with the milk.● Give the patient three or four glasses of ordinary water.● If the lips and tongue are burned by the acid:— rinse thoroughly with water, then— bathe with a 2% solution of sodium bicarbonate.Note: Always pipette acids using a rubber safety bulb, never by mouth.Corrosive injuries from alkalisAlkalis such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxidecan also cause corrosive injuries. Such injuries may be more serious than thosecaused by acids.In all cases: Wash the affected area immediately with large quantities of water.