Laboratory-acquired infections: Are microbiologists at risk?

David L Sewell

doi:10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2005.12.004

Laboratory-acquired infections: Are microbiologists at risk?

Clin Microbiol Newsl. 2006 Jan 1;28(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2005.12.004. Epub 2005 Dec 27.

Author

David L Sewell¹

Affiliation

¹ Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.

Abstract

Exposure of laboratory workers to infectious agents in the clinical microbiology laboratory continues to be an occupational risk. This risk is mitigated by the application of safety guidelines issued by regulatory agencies and professional organizations. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (fomerly NCCLS) published a guidance document (M29-A3) in 2005 on the risk of transmission of infectious agents in the laboratory, preventative measures to reduce risk, and management of exposure to infectious agents. The key to a safe workplace is employees who are knowledgeable of the routes of transmission of infectious agents in the laboratory setting and apply safety principles and work practices to reduce the risk.