Analysis of Biosafety Performance in Selected Hospital Medical Laboratories in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

This study assessed biosafety performance between 5 selected private-sector hospital medical laboratories in Karachi, Pakistan. A 40-question questionnaire was distributed among 120 technical staff to better understand the practices and awareness level of technical staff in place. To assess the supply of biosafety facilities and equipment to keep laboratory workers and the surrounding environment safe from an outbreak of infectious diseases, a checklist was designed. After securing informed consent, the researcher anonymously interviewed technical staff from all sections of the pathology laboratory, filled out the standard questionnaire, and completed the checklist through personal observations. Biosafety awareness recorded among 5 laboratory technical staff was moderate (72%). Major gaps identified with reference to biosafety measures were in administrative controls, standard microbiological practices, and facility design/secondary barriers. The gaps included the following: the biosafety officer is appointed in only 1 laboratory, standard operating procedures are not in place in 3 laboratories, no training protocol is defined for staff, no immunization record is maintained, and incident reporting and recording is lacking at most laboratories. There is an adequate supply of simple personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, masks, and lab coats. However, complex equipment, such as eyewash stations and biological safety cabinets, is not available in many laboratories. In Karachi, Pakistan, biosafety performance is compromised in most of the laboratories, but better performance also is demonstrated by laboratories that are accredited and certified.