Abstract
Occupational accidents in health institutes can result in the transmission of human infectious diseases. Thecollection and processing of biological samples are risk factors for accidents involving clinical laboratory workers. Toidentify occupational accidents with biological material among healthcare workers in the clinical laboratories of Cajazeiras city, Paraíba, Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study using a semi-structured questionnaire distributed to 38 workers at six clinical laboratories. Social-demographic data, types of occupational accidents, post-exposure procedures, biosafety practices, and emotional impact were analyzed. Workplace accidents were reported by 22 (57.9%) interviewees. Female gender (81.6%) was more prevalent in this study population. Nurse technicians and biochemists related the most frequent exposures. Accidents occurred mainly in the upper extremities (91%). The biological fluids related to the occupational accidents included blood (81.8%) and urine (45.5%). Thirty-three (86.8%) workers reported undergoing a post-exposure evaluation in the workplace. Fourteen (63.6%) participants underwent laboratory testing after biological material exposure. The data showed that occupational accidents in clinical laboratories are frequent among healthcare workers. We suggest new approaches for occupational accidents in the clinical laboratories to ameliorate the biosafety guidelines and working conditions of healthcare professionals.
Highlights
The collection, processing, and storage of biological samples are laboratory procedures that have resulted from the evolution of biotechnology methods
Negligence or lack of knowledge regarding biosafety guidelines can contribute to occupational accidents and temporary and permanent treatments, elevated costs to professionals and employer[6,7]
The data showed that occupational accidents in clinical laboratories are frequent in healthcare workers
Summary
The collection, processing, and storage of biological samples are laboratory procedures that have resulted from the evolution of biotechnology methods. Scientific methods and clinical activities have expanded knowledge regarding the pathogens present in biological fluids. Health organizations have supported and implemented guidelines to prevent occupational accidents and to promote safe practices for working with biological samples[1,2,3]. Brazilian health professionals have access to seroconversion and post-exposure prophylaxis and/or immunization to prevent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)[5]. Negligence or lack of knowledge regarding biosafety guidelines can contribute to occupational accidents and temporary and permanent treatments, elevated costs to professionals and employer[6,7]
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