Chapter 15.7 : Management of Laboratory Accidents

Abstract:

Despite improved control measures (engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE), laboratory workers remain at risk for acquiring laboratory-associated infections. Reported cases of fatal meningococcemia in clinical laboratory workers underscore the potential risks of handling clinical samples ( 1 ). Every laboratory (e.g., anatomic pathology, clinical diagnostic, reference, and research laboratories) should implement a biosafety plan. The essential components of the plan should include written procedures to reduce risks of occupational exposure and mandatory training, health assessment of employees, and record keeping of all exposures and treatments. A risk assessment of the procedures carried out on samples, including the frequency of positive samples, should be determined. The potential risk of disease should also be evaluated along with the availability of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preventive vaccines. The benefits and side effects of PEP and immunization must also be considered.