Assessment of Infection Control Practices and Biosafety Compliance Among Medical Laboratory Professionals: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Sectors

Assessment of Infection Control Practices and Biosafety Compliance Among Medical Laboratory Professionals

Abstract

A B S T R A C T

Background: Medical laboratories function as highly critical environments where personnel are routinely exposed to severe biological hazards. Consequently, strict adherence to biosafety protocols is a fundamental requirement to mitigate the risk of laboratory-acquired infections. Aim: To thoroughly dissect the occupational safety climate within medical laboratories. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical design, the study surveyed a purposive sample of 100 laboratory professionals operating in the two municipalities of Msallata and Al-Khums, Libya. Data were gathered using a validated, 24-item structured questionnaire assessing hygiene practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, waste management, and administrative support. Results: The findings indicate robust compliance with foundational hygiene protocols, specifically hand hygiene (76%) and standard glove usage (88%). Conversely, a critical vulnerability was identified regarding comprehensive protective measures, with only 29% of personnel consistently utilizing advanced personal protective equipment, such as respiratory masks and ocular protection. Systemic deficiencies in continuous education were prominent, as 57% of respondents reported a lack of periodic training updates. Consequently, only 35% of the workforce perceived their working environment as fully secure. Conclusion: While baseline hygiene practices are commendably maintained, the transition to a comprehensive safety culture is impeded by selective PPE compliance and inconsistent administrative support. Bridging this gap requires the institutionalization of mandatory, continuous biosafety training and the standardization of protective resource allocation across both public and private sectors.