Assessment of laboratory and biosafety practices associated with bacterial culture in veterinary clinics.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate bacterial culture practices in veterinary clinics, with an emphasis on laboratory biosafety and on quality of laboratory practices.


METHODS
Survey-based prospective study.


METHODS
166 veterinarians.


METHODS
Veterinarians were recruited through the Veterinary Information Network (an Internet-based network restricted to veterinary personnel). All Network-registered veterinarians were eligible to participate. A standardized questionnaire regarding bacterial culture practices in veterinary clinics was completed electronically by study participants.


RESULTS
720 veterinarians completed the survey; 166 (23%) indicated that bacterial culture was performed in his or her clinic. Clinic practices ranged from preliminary aerobic bacterial culture only with submission of isolates to a diagnostic laboratory for further testing (93/160 [58%]) to bacterial culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (19/160 [12%]). Most commonly, urine samples were cultured (151/162 [93%] clinics). Several problematic practices were identified regarding quality and quality control, including inadequate facilities, equipment, supervision, interpretation of data, and culture methods. Biosafety infractions were also common, including inadequate laboratory location, lack of biosafety protocols, and dangerous disposal practices. Ninety-four percent of respondents stated that continuing education regarding culture practices and laboratory safety would be useful.


CONCLUSIONS
Data confirmed that bacterial culture was commonly performed in clinics, but that major deficiencies in laboratory methods were widespread. These could result in negative effects on testing quality and increased risk of laboratory-acquired infections among clinic personnel. Veterinary practices in which bacterial cultures are performed must ensure that adequate equipment, facilities, personnel, and training are provided to enable accurate and safe sample testing.
Weese
J Scott
JS
Department of Pathobiology and Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Prescott
John F
JF
D000818:Animals; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D006762:Hospitals, Animal / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011786:Quality Control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires