Infection Risks Faced by Public Health Laboratory Services Teams When Handling Specimens Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

Infection risks of handling specimens associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by public health laboratory services teams were assessed to scrutinize the potential hazards arising from the work procedures. Through risk assessments of all work sequences, laboratory equipment, and workplace environments, no aerosol-generating procedures could be identified except the procedures (mixing and transfer steps) inside biological safety cabinets. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, protective gowns, face shields/safety goggles, and disposable gloves, together with pertinent safety training, was provided for laboratory work. Proper disinfection and good hand hygiene practices could minimize the probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection at work. All residual risk levels of the potential hazards identified were within the acceptable level. Contamination by gloved hands was considered as a major exposure route for SARS-CoV-2 when compared with eye protection equipment. Competence in proper donning and doffing of PPE accompanied by hand washing techniques was of utmost importance for infection control.

Keywords: COVID-19; Hand hygiene; Laboratory workers; Occupational safety; Risk assessment.

Fig. 1

Risk assessment matrix for evaluation of residual risk level for activities/procedures performed in a laboratory. Risk assessment shall be updated when there is any significant change in laboratory activity/procedure or workplace Residual risk level^ = hazard severity × likelihood of occurrence. Keys: ^Residual risk level = Low/Medium: laboratory activities/procedures can be performed. Annual review of the laboratory activities/procedures is required; Residual risk level = High: laboratory activities/procedures must be approved by laboratory director before implementation; Residual risk level = Extreme: laboratory activities/procedures must not be carried out in the laboratory.