Attitudes and concerns amongst laboratory staff regarding handling of HIV positive biological specimens

to ascertain attitudes and concerns of laboratory staff towards handling of HIV positive biological samples.

an anonymous questionnaire regarding various aspects of biological sample handling was distributed to laboratory staff from the Wellington Area Health Board laboratories.

of a total of 133 laboratory staff (response rate: 56.4%), five were seriously considering leaving, and another ten would have chosen another career if given prior information in regard to handling HIV positive biological samples. Of the responders, 22.8% and 38.3% considered that their employer does not provide adequate safety measures and education respectively in regard to HIV.

handling of HIV positive biological samples does not greatly contribute to attrition amongst laboratory staff. Given the concern of laboratory staff for safety and education in regard to HIV, a continuous in-service educational programme would be desirable.