Evaluation of Work Quality Indicators in Medical Biochemical Laboratories

Background: A laboratory professional concerned with the quality of work in medical-biochemical laboratories ensures the accuracy and precision of laboratory analyses through the implementation of international and European guidelines for working with hazardous substances, through the availability and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Laboratory hazards that affect the concentration and safety of workers arise from laboratory deficiencies such as: lack of preventive measures, knowledge and skills implemented through SOPs and good laboratory practice. Biophysical hazards in medical laboratories are manifested by needles and sharp objects, infectious materials, noise, vibration, radiation, poor air quality, temperature inversions. Objective: The aim of the research was to raise awareness of the quality of work in medical-biochemical laboratories in order to ensure the safety of workers. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 100 laboratory professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Croatia. The research was conducted over a period of three months. Results: A higher percentage of exposure to infectious agents and needles and sharp objects was found among respondents from BiH compared to CRO (p=0.018 and p=0.001, respectively). We found that respondents employed in accredited laboratories are aware of exposure to hazards in a high percentage related to infectious agents, toxins (p=0.0012 and p=0.0046, respectively). A significant statistical difference was found between respondents with BiH and respondents with CRO in terms of knowledge of accreditation standards of medical-biochemical laboratories (p=0.0155). Respondents who have standard operating procedures available are aware of the hazards of infectious agents (p=0.0001), toxins (p=0.0466), needles and sharp objects (p=0.0052), noise (p=0.0030), vibration (p=0.0007) and extreme temperatures (p=0.0014). Conclusion: Efficient implementation and continuous compliance with the ISO 15189: 2018 standard requires constant commitment and active participation of laboratory staff. Laboratories must have standard operating procedures in place and actively monitor their use.