The Rate of Occupational Exposure to Patients’ Specimen among Personnel of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories in Birjand City

Background and Objective: Having knowledge about the potential risks and theusage of safety equipment in laboratories can decrease the risk of occupationalexposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predisposing factors foroccupational exposure and to assess the usage of safety equipment among personnelof medical diagnostic laboratories in Birjand.Material and Methods: In this descriptive analytic study, all staff of laboratorieswas assessed by using a questionnaire including demographic data, type ofaccidental exposures and the use of protective equipment. Using SPSS software, weanalyzed the data.Results: Of 110, 84 (76%) have at least one accidental exposure to patients’specimens in that 55% of accidents are related to sample preparation step. In 82%of contacts, carelessness is the underlying cause of exposure. Gown, glove, fumehood and mouth mask are routinely used by 97%, 48%, 34%, 1% of personnel,respectively. Nearly all of (97%) personnel were vaccinated against hepatitis B and78% of them have performed routine blood test for detecting any infections.Conclusion: The results of current study show that accidental exposures to patients’samples are common among personnel of medical diagnostic laboratories. Thelevel of preventive education and the rate of safety equipment usage are low;therefore, we recommend planning of some training sessions to persuade thepersonnel for using safety equipment.Keywords: Medical laboratory; Occupational Exposure; Specimens; Vaccination