Assessment of bio-risk management, Sekondi Public Health Laboratory, Ghana, 2025

Introduction: Personnel of medical laboratories are at risk of exposure to hazardous pathogens and chemicals. There is a need for robust bio-risk management (BRM) protocols which are regularly assessed for compliance. Emergence and re-emergence of diseases influence regular updates to international BRM protocols. Sekondi Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) responds to infectious public health emergencies in three regions but has not been thoroughly assessed for bio-risk. We assessed bio-risk management protocols at Sekondi Public Health Laboratory. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at SPHL from February to May 2025. We developed a safety and bio-risk management checklist based on four international standards and administered it to staff. We observed safety practices, and scores were awarded according to the requirements of the checklist. A corrective action plan was drawn and implemented for gaps identified from the assessment, after which a final audit was conducted. Results were expressed as proportions and presented in tables and charts. Results: Overall, SPHL scored 64.7% in the baseline audit. Six broad areas were assessed with Audits and Monitoring scoring the highest, 84.4% (27/32), whilst Biosecurity Practices scored the lowest, 16.7% (3/18). Under Risk Assessment, SPHL had not assessed the common pathogens it handles for risks. Though PPEs were available and accessible, contaminated lab coats were sent home for washing. Emergency equipment was available alongside relevant SOPs, but the laboratory had no first aid or spill kits. After the implementation of a corrective action plan, SPHL scored 92.2% in the final audit. Some corrective actions could not be implemented. Conclusion: Biosecurity Practices scored lowest whilst Audits and Monitoring scored highest in the baseline audit. Risk had not been assessed for commonly isolated pathogens. In closing the gaps identified, a risk assessment for pathogens was conducted, and a washing machine was purchased for the laboratory. We recommended that unit supervisors implement pending corrective actions.