Hepatitis in clinical laboratories: a three-year survey

Area of Science:

• Clinical Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a risk in healthcare settings, particularly for laboratory staff handling potentially infectious materials.
• Previous data on HBV infection rates and transmission routes within clinical pathology laboratories were limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence of hepatitis B infections among clinical laboratory staff in the UK.
• To identify potential sources of infection and risk factors within the laboratory environment.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of current safety measures and inform future recommendations.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among members of the Association of Clinical Pathologists regarding hepatitis cases.
• Data collected included the number of reported hepatitis cases, laboratory activities (e.g., testing specimens from high-risk units), and testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
• Attack rates were calculated for different staff categories.

Main Results:

• Hepatitis was reported by 5% (1970), 7% (1971), and 2% (1972) of surveyed laboratories.
• The average annual attack rate for all staff was 111 per 100,000, with higher rates among biochemists and medical haematologists.
• Personal contact with infected individuals was the most common suspected source of infection, with few cases attributed to laboratory accidents or high-risk specimens.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis B infection rates in these laboratories were relatively low.
• While laboratory accidents are a minor concern, personal contact is a more frequent transmission route.
• The findings support the need for continued vigilance and sensible safety precautions in laboratory settings.