Assessing decontamination practices at a medical microbiology research laboratory

To our knowledge,this is the first study to conduct an objective assessment of the routine decontamination practices at a medical microbiology research laboratory(MRL)a year after a biosafety training was provided to all laboratory staff.Between March 28th and June 28th,2021,unobtrusive observations were carried out to identify-three high-touch surfaces at the MRL during different working hours.Swabbing was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the disinfectant used in the laboratory.All three high-touch surfaces were sampled before and after decontamination with 200 ppm of 5%sodium hypochlorite(household bleach)to quantify the microbial load and identify the types of organisms residing on the laboratory surfaces.A higher concentration(500 ppm)of 5%sodium hypochlorite was employed after refresher training was provided to housekeeping staff,and resampling of the three surfaces was carried out during a 4-week follow-up period using the same procedure.The three high-touch surfaces identified were the two sides of the workbench(22%–24%)and the front surface of one incubator(14%).Anthracoid bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most commonly found organisms on laboratory surfaces preintervention(100%and 89%,respectively)and post-intervention(56%and 44%,respectively).Other microorganisms detected included Salmonella spp.(27.7%),Proteus spp.(5.6%),Escherichia coli(5.6%),and Klebsiella spp.(33.3%).Employing a higher concentration(500 ppm)of sodium hypochlorite significantly(p<0.000)reduced the total aerobic colony count from an average of 15–250 cfu/cm2 to 10–60 cfu/cm^(2).This study demonstrated suboptimal decontamination practices at the MRL and the need to apply a higher concentration(500 ppm)of sodium hypochlorite to reduce the overall microbial load.It also demonstrated the importance of quantitative assessment to monitor decontamination practices and ensure staff compliance.More studies are needed to identify bacterial communities within the laboratory,which will help provide guidance regarding the types,proper concentrations,and appropriateness of the in-use disinfectants.Furthermore,large-scale studies on the acceptable level of residual contamination following any decontamination process are urgently recommended.

Tier-based approach to establish a culture of biosafety at a medical microbiology research laboratory in Egypt

Microbiology Research Laboratory(MRL)is a biosafety level-2(BSL-2)research laboratory located at the main campus of Faculty of Medicine,Ain Shams University(ASU)in Cairo.With the objective of strengthening the departmental capacities of biosafety,a series of activities were carried out between October 2019,and January 2020 to raise awareness,along with instilling standard biosafety practices and procedures among laboratory staff including non-health professions.MRL staff were categorized according to their biosafety knowledge into three tiers:tier(1):with zero to minimal knowledge,tier(2):with basic knowledge,tier(3):with satisfactory knowledge.Tier based activities were designed to align with their job responsibilities.Results:44 selected laboratory staff were trained on biosafety practices:12 from tier(1),19 from tier(2)and 13 constituted tier(3).Through regular follow-ups,the impact of the implemnted training plan was reflected on the practices and knowledge of all laboratory staff.Knowledge among health professions has increased by 60%.Furthermore,6 staff members have granted a biosafety certification by International Federation of Biosafety Association(IFBSA).Conclusion:establishing a culture of biosafety within microbiology research laboratories is integral to safe research practices.Together with developing local and national biosafety regulations and policies will ensure research advancement without compromising public health or environmental safety.