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Infections acquired in clinical laboratories in Utah
Abstract:
We reviewed laboratory-acquired infections occurring in Utah from 1978 through 1982. Written and telephone interviews of supervisors of 1,191 laboratorians revealed an estimated annual incidence of 3 laboratory-acquired infections per 1,000 employees. Infections, in order of frequency, included hepatitis B (clinical cases), shigellosis, pharyngitis, cellulitis, tuberculosis (skin test conversion), conjunctivitis, and non-A, non-B hepatitis. One-half of large laboratories (over 25 employees), but only 12% of smaller laboratories, reported infections. The annual incidence, however, at smaller laboratories was more than three times greater than at large laboratories (5.0 versus 1.5 per 1,000; P less than 0.05, chi-square test). Microbiologists were at greatest risk of infection, with an incidence of almost 1%, followed by generalists and phlebotomists. Shigellosis was acquired only by microbiologists and accounted for more than half of their infections. The most common laboratory-acquired infection, hepatitis B, affected a microbiologist, a hematologist, a phlebotomist, a pulmonary blood gas technician, and a blood bank technologist who died from her illness. Clinical cases of hepatitis B occurred at a rate 10 times higher than the rate in the general U.S. population. The incidence of tuberculosis skin test conversion was intermediate between rates reported for hospital employees and for the state of Utah.
Insights
Laboratory-acquired infections pose a significant risk, particularly in smaller facilities. Hepatitis B and shigellosis were common, with microbiologists facing the highest infection rates.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Laboratory Safety
Background:
- Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) are a recognized occupational hazard.
- Data on the incidence and types of LAIs in specific regions and timeframes are crucial for risk assessment.
- Previous studies have highlighted various pathogens and risk factors associated with LAIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and common causes of laboratory-acquired infections in Utah between 1978 and 1982.
- To identify specific laboratory roles and facility types associated with higher infection risks.
- To compare the incidence of certain infections, like hepatitis B, with the general population.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory-acquired infections in Utah from 1978-1982.
- Conducted written and telephone interviews with supervisors of 1,191 laboratorians.
- Analyzed infection data by laboratory size, employee role, and specific pathogens.
Main Results:
- Estimated annual incidence of 3 LAIs per 1,000 employees.
- Hepatitis B (clinical cases), shigellosis, and tuberculosis (skin test conversion) were among the most frequent infections.
- Smaller laboratories (<25 employees) had a significantly higher incidence of LAIs (5.0 per 1,000) compared to larger ones (1.5 per 1,000).
- Microbiologists had the highest risk (nearly 1%), with shigellosis being exclusive to this group.
- Hepatitis B incidence in laboratory personnel was 10 times higher than in the general U.S. population.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory-acquired infections represent a notable occupational health concern, with varying risks based on facility size and job role.
- Hepatitis B and shigellosis are significant LAIs, necessitating targeted prevention strategies, especially for microbiologists.
- The study underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols in all laboratory settings, particularly smaller ones, to mitigate infection risks.