Biosafety practices in pathology laboratories

A study was undertaken of the biosafety status of all public sector based pathology laboratories in N.S.W. Questionnaires were sent to all 85 departments. A total of 71 completed questionnaires were returned from the laboratory managers, representing a response rate of 84%. The study showed that many departments have not yet implemented the recent AIDS Task Force code of biosafety practice for laboratories. Relatively poor practices were identified in the handling and transport of patient samples, the disposal of infected waste and the use of equipment not designed for aerosol containment. Continuous safety training for staff and regular external assessments of laboratories were recommended as possible measures to improve the biosafety standards of pathology departments.