Skip to main content

Table 2 Awareness of laboratory safety measures

From: Laboratory diagnosis and management of COVID-19 cases: creating a safe testing environment

Awareness variables

Strongly agree n (%)

Agree n (%)

Slightly agree n (%)

Slightly disagree n (%)

Disagree n (%)

Strongly disagree n (%)

Laboratory safety is an important and essential component to the success of any medical laboratory

118 (90.1)

11 (8.4)

2 (1.5)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

It is important to understand and follow instructions in the Laboratory Safety Manual

118 (90.1)

13 (9.9)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

Laboratory safety practices are never impacted by biological, chemical, radiological, fire, and electrical hazards

8 (6.1)

15 (11.5)

4 (3.1)

4 (3.1)

47 (35.9)

53 (40.5)

It is critical to have access to SOPs that document safety procedures

86 (65.6)

25 (19.1)

6 (4.6)

0 (0.0)

9 (6.9)

5 (3.8)

Processes that emit vapors, gasses, or fumes should be adequately captured by local ventilation (hoods, snorkel)

80 (61.1)

38 (29.0)

7 (5.3)

1 (0.8)

3 (2.3)

2 (1.5)

It is important for laboratory equipment with potential hazards routinely inspected and maintained or serviced as recommended

106 (80.9)

24 (18.3)

1 (0.8)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

It is important to have access to chemical/biological spill kits

91 (69.5)

32 (24.4)

2 (1.5)

1 (0.8)

3 (2.3)

2 (1.5)

It is important to have access to fully stocked first-aid kits

113 (86.3)

14 (10.7)

1 (0.8)

0 (0.0)

2 (1.5)

1 (0.8)

Good housekeeping practices are less essential in ensuring laboratory safety

16 (12.2)

14 (10.7)

8 (6.1)

8 (6.1)

46 (35.1)

39 (29.8)

Access to appropriate Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) is critical in the containment of SARS-CoV-2

87 (66.4)

27 (20.6)

12 (9.2)

1 (0.8)

1 (0.8)

3 (2.3)