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Case 3

An MLS student was undertaking a placement in a microbiology laboratory. He was assigned by the laboratory manager to learn the technique of "disc diffusion method" to determine the sensitivity of certain bacteria to antibiotics. He was instructed to observe the procedure carried out by an MLT II. However, as the MLT II was very busy she allowed this student to perform the task independently. The student made a mistake while carrying out the procedure, but this mistake went unnoticed by the MLT II.

Explain the ethical and legal issues with respect to this case and consider what the potential consequences and outcomes may be.