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Abstract Introduction Given the diversity and seriousness of infectious risks (IR) in hospital laboratories, we undertook this study to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of laboratory staff regarding IR. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among the staff of all the laboratories at La Rabta Hospital over a two-month period in 2023. Results We included 63 participants, 48% of whom were laboratory technicians. Participants reported that the most frequent route of exposure to infectious agents was the mucocutaneous route (71%). In the event blood exposure accident, participants gave correct answers in the event of eye splash in 40% and percutaneous accidents in 37% of cases. Recapping needles with both hands was reported by 52% of participants. They reported not knowing circumstances leading to aerosol formation in 10% of cases and that the respiratory mask adequate for those circumstances was the FFP2 mask in 75%. Participants reported that access to technical rooms was restricted to only authorized workers in 67% and that there was a separation between clean and exposed areas in 35%. They reported that biohazardous waste containers were available at each workstation in 73% of cases and that handwashing stations were well-equipped in 41% of cases. Since their hiring, participants reported that they underwent occupational health check-ups in 48% of cases and that they received training regarding IR in 39% of cases. Discussion We highlighted significant knowledge gaps and poor practices related to IR among hospital laboratories staff. Conclusion Our results undermine the need to strengthen knowledge and reinforce prevention related to IR in hospital laboratories.
Barakati et al. (Mon,) studied this question.