title: Compliance with infection control practices in sputum microscopy centres: a study from Kerala, India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the strategies of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in India to achieve tuberculosis control is by increasing case detection through a nationwide network of designated microscopy centres (DMC). Practice of standard precautions for infection control in these DMCs is very important to prevent transmission of infection not only to the laboratory personnel, but also to the general population. However, in India this has not been evaluated by an external agency.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess knowledge, facilities and compliance regarding infection control practices (ICP) in all 38 DMCs in Kannur district, Kerala, India, in 2015. Using observations and interviews, the investigators collected data in a structured format.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall knowledge about infection control was found to be satisfactory among 29% of laboratory technicians. Overall facilities for infection control were satisfactory in 61% of the DMCs, while adherence to ICP was satisfactory in 45% of the DMCs. Knowledge regarding ICP was better in government DMCs, whereas facilities for ICP and adherence to biomedical waste management guidelines were better in private DMCs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the higher risk of infection among laboratory technicians, there is an urgent need to address the shortcomings in infection control practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Pariyaram, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: O P
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Aslesh
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Pariyaram, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Ubaid
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Employees' State Insurance Corporation and Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Science and Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Nagaraja
authors.affiliation: Department of Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Shewade
authors.affiliation: Department of Chest Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Pariyaram, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: K V
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Padmanabhan
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Country Office for India, Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Naik
authors.affiliation: Population Service International, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Satpati
authors.affiliation: Axshya India, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blesson
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Pariyaram, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Jayasree
keywords: India; infection control; sputum microscopy centres