Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the current status of biosafety in tuberculosis (TB) laboratories in TB prevention and control institutions in Guangdong Province, analyze and identify the existing problems, and propose improvement methods and measures, so as to provide scientific basis for further standardizing the biosafety management of TB laboratories. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among management personnel of TB laboratories in 138 TB prevention and control institutions in Guangdong Province by means of official documents issued by Center for Tuberculosis Control of Guangdong Province. Quality control was implemented through consultation and Q&A as well as on-site verification. An analysis was carried out in terms of the basic situation, experimental activity management, equipment and facilities management. Results: Among the 138 investigated institutions, 131 (94.93%) had established organizational structure of biosafety management, 126 (91.30%) had formed biosafety committee, 127 (92.03%) had departments responsible for laboratory biosafety management, 127 (92.03%) had formulated rules and regulations related to laboratory biosafety management. A total of 120 (86.96%) TB laboratories were registered as biosafety level-2 laboratories, of which 31 (22.46%) were qualified as enhanced biosafety level-2 laboratories. A total of 104 (75.36%) TB laboratories had established a strain management system, all (100.00%) TB laboratories had formulated a waste management system, 133 (96.38%) had a biosafety emergency plan, and 130 (94.20%) had established laboratory personnel files. Conclusion: Most of the TB prevention and control institutions in Guangdong Province have basically established biosafety management systems, with relatively sound organizational structures and regulations. However, there are still issues such as low filing rates for biosafety laboratories, insufficient biosafety protection measures, and inadequate specialized biosafety training. It is urgent to strengthen the filing mechanism, ensure the implementation of funding support, and optimize the quality management system, so as to effectively guarantee the implementation of biosafety measures.

Key words: Tuberculosis, Health systems agencies, Laboratory, Biosafety, Questionnaires