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Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
Aerosol hazards from some clinical laboratory apparatus
British Medical Journal
|March 4, 1972
Summary
Common laboratory equipment like centrifuges and stirrers can aerosolize infectious blood, posing a risk to healthcare workers. This study highlights the need for enhanced safety protocols in clinical labs and dialysis units to prevent disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Infectious Disease Transmission
Background:
- Infectious diseases, including infectious hepatitis, pose a transmission risk from patients to healthcare personnel in clinical laboratories and dialysis settings.
- Routine procedures in these environments can inadvertently lead to the generation of infectious aerosols.
- Protecting laboratory staff from potential bloodborne pathogens is a critical aspect of healthcare safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of commonly used laboratory apparatus to generate infectious blood aerosols.
- To assess the aerosolization risk associated with specific equipment, including centrifuges, stirrers, and microtonometers.
- To compare the aerosol containment effectiveness of different blood sample tube types and lids.
Main Methods:
- Experimental evaluation of aerosol production from a microhaematocrit centrifuge, an AutoAnalyzer stirrer, and a microtonometer using blood samples.
- Comparative analysis of aerosol generation using various blood sample tubes with different lid designs.
- Assessment of the propensity of each apparatus and blood tube type to create infectious aerosols.
Main Results:
- All tested laboratory apparatus, including the microhaematocrit centrifuge, AutoAnalyzer stirrer, and microtonometer, were found to be potential sources of infectious blood aerosols.
- Certain blood sample tubes and lid configurations demonstrated a higher propensity for aerosol generation compared to others.
- The study confirmed that standard procedures involving these items can lead to staff exposure to infectious agents.
Conclusions:
- Commonly used laboratory equipment presents a significant risk for aerosolizing infectious blood, potentially exposing clinical laboratory and dialysis staff.
- Implementing stringent safety measures and selecting appropriate equipment and blood collection devices are crucial for mitigating infection transmission risks.
- Further research into engineering controls and work practices is warranted to enhance safety in healthcare settings handling infectious materials.
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