Final answer:
It is essential to disinfect goggles regularly in a laboratory setting, even if they do not touch the patient, to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a sterile environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Goggles do not have to be disinfected regularly because they never touch the patient' is incorrect. Even though goggles may not directly touch the patient, they are exposed to the laboratory environment. This environment could include aerosols or droplets containing contaminants that can land on the goggles' surface. It is crucial to ensure all lab safety equipment, including goggles, is properly disinfected to maintain a sterile environment, especially when dealing with sterile equipment like a pipette and media.
Potential contaminants can transfer to the goggles when they come in contact with the lab technician's hands or any other lab surface. Therefore, regular disinfection of the goggles is necessary to prevent cross-contamination or indirect transmission of infectious agents. This practice aligns with standard laboratory safety protocols that aim to maintain a sterile environment and ensure the safety of lab personnel.