Infection risks faced by public health laboratory services teams when handling specimens associated with COVID-19

Wong, Chun-Kwan; Tsang, Dominic Ngai-Chong; Chan, Rickjason Chi-Wai; Lam, Edman Tin-Keung; Jong, Kwok-Kwan

Abstract Infection risks of handling specimens associated with SARS-CoV-2 by public health laboratory services teams were assessed to scrutinize the potential hazards arising from the work procedures. Through risk assessments of all work sequences, laboratory equipment and workplace environments, no aerosol-generating procedure could be identified except the procedures (mixing and transfer steps) inside biological safety cabinets. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, protective gowns, face shields/safety goggles and disposable gloves, together with pertinent safety training were provided for laboratory work. Proper disinfection and good hand hygiene practices could minimize the probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection at work. All residual risk levels of the potential hazards identified were within the acceptable level. Contamination by gloved hands was considered as a major exposure route for SARS-CoV-2 when compared with eye protection equipment. Competence in proper donning and doffing of PPE accompanied by hand washing technique was of utmost importance for infection control.