Evaluating Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Response in Medical Laboratory Wastewater Management

Abstract

Assessment of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Response in the Management and Disinfection of Wastewater from
Medical Laboratories. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which medical laboratories adhere to infection prevention standards in handling liquid waste and to identify gaps between operational procedures and adopted policies. The study employed
a descriptive-analytical approach, with a sample of 150 specialists (4 department heads, representing 2.7%, and 146 laboratory
specialists, representing 97.3%). A validated questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument. The results revealed a sharp disparity in compliance levels; compliance with sewer network maintenance reached 100%, while compliance
(0%) was nonexistent in the areas of chemical disinfection, the existence of written policies, water classification, and annual staff
training. All participants (100%) agreed that the effectiveness of the current response is “very weak.” The study recommends
the development of mandatory policies for wastewater disinfection at the source, the implementation of specialized training
programs, and the integration of network maintenance with biological and chemical treatment protocols to ensure a safe and
hygienic environment