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Infections in British clinical laboratories, 1984-5.
1Communicable Diseases Unit, Ruchill Hospital, Glasgow.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Laboratory staff experienced infections from both community and occupational sources. Microbiology and mortuary workers faced the highest risks, highlighting the need for enhanced laboratory safety protocols.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Laboratory Safety
Background:
- Continuing surveillance of infections in laboratory staff is crucial for understanding occupational risks.
- Previous studies have indicated potential exposure routes for various pathogens within laboratory environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence and sources of infections among laboratory staff during 1984-1985.
- To identify specific laboratory roles with higher infection risks.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted over a one-year period (1984-1985) involving 193 laboratories.
- Data collected included person-years of exposure and the probable source (community vs. occupational) of infections.
Main Results:
- 41 infections were reported across 23,043.5 person-years of exposure.
- Hepatitis B and tuberculosis were significant occupational infections, particularly affecting haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, and mortuary staff.
- Microbiology and morbid anatomy/mortuary workers exhibited the highest incidence rates for reported infections.
Conclusions:
- Both community transmission and occupational exposure contribute to infections in laboratory personnel.
- Specific roles, such as microbiology and mortuary work, require targeted infection control measures.
- The findings underscore the importance of robust safety practices to mitigate occupational infectious disease risks in laboratories.