Viral Contamination Source in Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Laboratory Safety
• Infection Control

Background:

• Laboratory-acquired infections pose a risk to personnel.
• Rhinovirus is a common cause of respiratory illness and can be found in viral laboratories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify sources of Rhinovirus contamination in a viral laboratory.
• To propose solutions for protecting laboratory personnel from Rhinovirus exposure.

Main Methods:

• Samples from a viral laboratory were screened for six Rhinovirus subtypes.
• Contamination levels were assessed on various surfaces and equipment.
• Effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite for decontamination was tested.

Main Results:

• Rhinovirus contamination was detected on gloves, protective wear cuffs, biological safety cabinet (BSC) windows, and trash handles.
• High levels of Rhinovirus contamination were found inside centrifuges and their rotors.
• Spilled infectious media contributed to centrifuge surface contamination.
• Sodium hypochlorite (≥0.2 g/L available chlorine) effectively decontaminated centrifuge tubes within 2 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Common laboratory items and equipment can harbor Rhinovirus, increasing infection risk.
• Centrifuges are significant reservoirs for Rhinovirus contamination.
• Standard decontamination procedures using sodium hypochlorite are effective against Rhinovirus on critical surfaces.