Knowledge, attitude and practice of aspects of laboratory safety in Pathology Laboratories at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To assess current knowledge, attitudes and practice of aspects of laboratory safety in pathology laboratories at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in view of perceived inadequacies in safety practices in clinical laboratories in developing countries.


METHODS
Sixty (60) self- administered questionnaires were distributed to all cadres of staff in four (4) different laboratories (Chemical Pathology, Haematology, Blood bank and Medical Microbiology) at the Hospital.


RESULTS
Gross deficiencies were found in the knowledge, attitudes and practice of laboratory safety by laboratory staff in areas of use of personal protective equipment, specimen collection and processing, centrifuge--related hazards, infective hazards waste disposal and provision and use of First Aid Kits.


CONCLUSIONS
Issues pertaining to laboratory safety are not yet given adequate attention by both employers and employees in developing countries in this ear of resurgence of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Band C, is emphasized.
Ejilemele
A A
AA
Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Ojule
A C
AC
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D000328:Adult; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel; D009549:Nigeria; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires