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Published on: July 11, 2016
Infections in British clinical laboratories, 1986-87
1University of Glasgow, Scotland.
Abstract:
During 1986-87 this continuing survey showed 15 specific infections in the staff of 235 laboratories, representing 28,524 person years of exposure. The community was the probable source of four of the five cases of tuberculosis and one of the five cases of salmonellosis. Occupational exposure was the probable cause of four infections by Shigella flexneri, three by Salmonella typhimurium, and one by S typhi, all affecting medical laboratory scientific officers (MLSOs) in microbiology. Occupational exposure was also the probable cause of one case of tuberculosis in a mortuary technician and one of probable non-A, non-B hepatitis in a medical laboratory scientific officer haematology worker. The overall incidence of reported infections was 52.6/100,000 person years (35/100,000 for infections of probable occupational origin). The highest rates of laboratory acquired infections related to MLSO microbiology workers and mortuary technicians. No additional infections were seen as a result of extending the survey to forensic laboratories.
Insights
Laboratory staff experienced 15 infections over 28,524 person-years. Medical laboratory scientific officers (MLSOs) in microbiology and mortuary technicians faced the highest occupational infection risks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Surveys are crucial for understanding laboratory-associated infections (LAIs).
- Previous data highlighted risks for specific laboratory roles.
- The period 1986-87 saw continued monitoring of infection incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the incidence of infections among laboratory staff.
- To identify probable sources of infection (occupational vs. community).
- To determine which laboratory roles have the highest risk for LAIs.
Main Methods:
- A continuing survey of 235 laboratories from 1986-87.
- Data collection on 15 reported infections over 28,524 person-years.
- Categorization of infection sources as occupational or community-acquired.
Main Results:
- Overall infection incidence was 52.6 per 100,000 person-years.
- Occupational exposure caused 35 per 100,000 person-years.
- Medical laboratory scientific officers (MLSOs) in microbiology and mortuary technicians had the highest LAI rates.
Conclusions:
- MLSOs in microbiology and mortuary technicians are at significant risk for LAIs.
- Community sources contributed to some tuberculosis and salmonellosis cases.
- Extending the survey to forensic labs did not reveal additional infections.
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