Veterinary laboratories face distinct challenges in Pakistan,including inadequate infrastructure,resources,and training opportunities,especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan regions.This study aimed to ev...Veterinary laboratories face distinct challenges in Pakistan,including inadequate infrastructure,resources,and training opportunities,especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan regions.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of training sessions for veterinary laboratory staff to improve methods and protocols related to sample collection,storage,and transport,while ensuring strict compli-ance with biosafety and biosecurity guidelines.The study employed a mixed methods approach,incorpo-rating qualitative and quantitative research techniques.Hands-on training,essential laboratory equipment,and a comprehensive training kit,including personal protective equipment(PPE),were pro-vided to 13 laboratories within the Livestock and Dairy Development Departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.A random sample of 152 individuals from a cohort of 314 trained person-nel was selected to assess procedural changes post-training,supplemented by Training Needs Assessments(TNAs)and follow-up visits.Data collection involved a combination of open-and closed-ended questionnaires,individual interviews,and focus group discussions by trained enumerators to maintain a standardized approach.Significant improvements were observed in laboratory practices and procedures,staff competency in sample collection,necropsy techniques,labeling,storage,a chain of custody,packaging,and transport,as well as biosafety and biosecurity practices,such as effective use of PPEs,good laboratory practices,standard operating procedures,handling of sharps,and waste management.However,areas needing refinement,particularly waste management protocols,were iden-tified.The integrated approach combining TNAs,training initiatives,and resource distribution,including laboratory equipment and PPEs,was pivotal in achieving these outcomes.This comprehensive strategy provides a basis for improving biosafety and biosecurity measures within laboratories,thereby contribut-ing to the global effort to mitigate unauthorized access to high-risk pathogens.展开更多
Introduction:The cyclical process of hazard identification,risk assessment,risk mitigation,and review is a key step in developing a biorisk management(BRM)system.This paper describes how this process was initiated in ...Introduction:The cyclical process of hazard identification,risk assessment,risk mitigation,and review is a key step in developing a biorisk management(BRM)system.This paper describes how this process was initiated in two laboratories in Pakistan using a unique model of blended learning.Methods:A training needs analysis showed that the staff had very little knowledge of BRM systems.A workshop using a unique blended model was conducted in which virtual and in-presence learning occurred simultaneously.This workshop aimed to train the participants by applying two key concepts from the World Health Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual 4th edition:1)the cyclical process of risk assessment and 2)mapping the core biorisk and establishing heightened control measures in the laboratories of the participants based on the risk assessment.All scenarios and examples used in the training were from the participants’laboratory work processes.Results:Prior to this project,no risk assessment was conducted in these laboratories.After the workshop,a risk assessment was performed for six work processes.In addition,seven core requirements and three heightened control measures were mapped,a biorisk officer was appointed,and a biosafety committee was convened.Furthermore,a biorisk manual,a biological waste management plan,an occupational health center,and a system for audits and inspections are being developed.Discussion and conclusion:BRM training is not a one-time effort;it has to be strengthened to ensure the development and implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable BRM system.Training must be applicable to local settings and incremental,in a way that participants are not overloaded with information.展开更多
The increasing threat posed by state and nonstate actors seeking to misuse scientific and technological developments means it is more important than ever to ensure the responsible conduct of life sciences research,bio...The increasing threat posed by state and nonstate actors seeking to misuse scientific and technological developments means it is more important than ever to ensure the responsible conduct of life sciences research,biosecurity research,and dual-use research of concern(DURC).Pakistan has a rapidly growing research environment and,being a signatory to the Biological Toxins and Weapons Convention,is committed to raising DURC awareness among its researchers.To this end,a series of five workshops were conducted in Pakistan between July 2018 and January 2020 with the support of the United States organization Health Security Partners.The workshops targeted universities offering postgraduate programs in life and medical sciences.The purpose of the workshops was to enable participants to understand the concept of DURC,review their own research,determine if any of their experiments may be DURC,identify potential risks while conducting the research,and develop protocols to mitigate DURC threats.A pre-and post-workshop questionnaire evaluated the knowledge of the participants.Evaluations of both the course and facilitators were obtained at each workshop.展开更多
Experimental research with animals can help the prevention,cure,and alleviation of human ailments.Animal research facilities are critical for scientific advancement,but they can also pose a higher risk than other biom...Experimental research with animals can help the prevention,cure,and alleviation of human ailments.Animal research facilities are critical for scientific advancement,but they can also pose a higher risk than other biomedical laboratories.Zoonosis,allergic reactions,bites,cuts,and scratches by animals are all substantial concerns that can occur in animal facilities.Furthermore,human error and unexpected animal behavior pose a risk not just to humans,but also to the environment and the animals themselves.The majority of biosafety and biosecurity training programs focus on clinical and biomedical laboratories dealing with human safety factors,with little emphasis on animal biosafety.The current virtual training was designed to improve biosafety and biosecurity capabilities of animal laboratory personnel,researchers,and veterinarians from different regions of Pakistan.The results revealed that understanding was improved regarding triggers for risk assessment in addition to annual and regular reviews(56%to 69%),biosecurity(21%to 50%),decontamination(17%to 35%),safe handling of sharps(21%to 35%),Dual Use Research of Concern(DURC)(17%to 40%),Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)usage by waste handlers(60.9%to 75%),waste management(56%to 85%),animal biosafety levels(40.57%to 45%),and good microbiological practices and procedures(17%to 35%).To bring human and animal laboratories up to the same level in terms of biosafety and biosecurity,it is critical to focus on areas that have been overlooked in the past.Training programs focusing on animal biosafety should be conducted more frequently to strengthen bio risk management systems in animal research facilities.展开更多
Laboratory diagnostic capacity is crucial for an optimal national response to a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.Preventing laboratory-acquired infections and the loss of critical human resources,...Laboratory diagnostic capacity is crucial for an optimal national response to a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.Preventing laboratory-acquired infections and the loss of critical human resources,especially during a public health emergency,requires laboratories to have a good biorisk management system in place.In this study,we aimed to evaluate laboratory biosafety and biosecurity in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic.In this cross-sectional study,a self-rated anonymous questionnaire was distributed to laboratory professionals(LPs)working in clinical diagnostic laboratories,including laboratories performing polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-based COVID-19 diagnostic testing in Punjab,Sindh,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces as well as Islamabad during March 2020 to April 2020.The questionnaire assessed knowledge and perceptions of LPs,resource availability,and commitment by top management in these laboratories.In total,58.6%of LPs performing COVID-19 testing reported that their laboratory did not conduct a biorisk assessment before starting COVID-19 testing in their facility.Only 31%of LPs were aware that COVID-19 testing could be performed at a biosafety level 2 laboratory,as per the World Health Organization interim biosafety guidelines.A sufficiently high percentage of LPs did not feel confident in their ability to handle COVID-19 samples(32.8%),spills(43.1%),or other accidents(32.8%).These findings demonstrate the need for effective biosafety program implementation,proper training,and establishing competency assessment methods.These findings also suggested that identifying and addressing gaps in existing biorisk management systems through sustainable interventions and preparing LPs for surge capacity is crucial to better address public health emergencies.展开更多
基金funding provided by the Health Security Partner(HSP)for the successful execution of this study.
文摘Veterinary laboratories face distinct challenges in Pakistan,including inadequate infrastructure,resources,and training opportunities,especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan regions.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of training sessions for veterinary laboratory staff to improve methods and protocols related to sample collection,storage,and transport,while ensuring strict compli-ance with biosafety and biosecurity guidelines.The study employed a mixed methods approach,incorpo-rating qualitative and quantitative research techniques.Hands-on training,essential laboratory equipment,and a comprehensive training kit,including personal protective equipment(PPE),were pro-vided to 13 laboratories within the Livestock and Dairy Development Departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.A random sample of 152 individuals from a cohort of 314 trained person-nel was selected to assess procedural changes post-training,supplemented by Training Needs Assessments(TNAs)and follow-up visits.Data collection involved a combination of open-and closed-ended questionnaires,individual interviews,and focus group discussions by trained enumerators to maintain a standardized approach.Significant improvements were observed in laboratory practices and procedures,staff competency in sample collection,necropsy techniques,labeling,storage,a chain of custody,packaging,and transport,as well as biosafety and biosecurity practices,such as effective use of PPEs,good laboratory practices,standard operating procedures,handling of sharps,and waste management.However,areas needing refinement,particularly waste management protocols,were iden-tified.The integrated approach combining TNAs,training initiatives,and resource distribution,including laboratory equipment and PPEs,was pivotal in achieving these outcomes.This comprehensive strategy provides a basis for improving biosafety and biosecurity measures within laboratories,thereby contribut-ing to the global effort to mitigate unauthorized access to high-risk pathogens.
基金funded by UK aid from the UK government through the Fleming Fund Project.
文摘Introduction:The cyclical process of hazard identification,risk assessment,risk mitigation,and review is a key step in developing a biorisk management(BRM)system.This paper describes how this process was initiated in two laboratories in Pakistan using a unique model of blended learning.Methods:A training needs analysis showed that the staff had very little knowledge of BRM systems.A workshop using a unique blended model was conducted in which virtual and in-presence learning occurred simultaneously.This workshop aimed to train the participants by applying two key concepts from the World Health Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual 4th edition:1)the cyclical process of risk assessment and 2)mapping the core biorisk and establishing heightened control measures in the laboratories of the participants based on the risk assessment.All scenarios and examples used in the training were from the participants’laboratory work processes.Results:Prior to this project,no risk assessment was conducted in these laboratories.After the workshop,a risk assessment was performed for six work processes.In addition,seven core requirements and three heightened control measures were mapped,a biorisk officer was appointed,and a biosafety committee was convened.Furthermore,a biorisk manual,a biological waste management plan,an occupational health center,and a system for audits and inspections are being developed.Discussion and conclusion:BRM training is not a one-time effort;it has to be strengthened to ensure the development and implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable BRM system.Training must be applicable to local settings and incremental,in a way that participants are not overloaded with information.
文摘The increasing threat posed by state and nonstate actors seeking to misuse scientific and technological developments means it is more important than ever to ensure the responsible conduct of life sciences research,biosecurity research,and dual-use research of concern(DURC).Pakistan has a rapidly growing research environment and,being a signatory to the Biological Toxins and Weapons Convention,is committed to raising DURC awareness among its researchers.To this end,a series of five workshops were conducted in Pakistan between July 2018 and January 2020 with the support of the United States organization Health Security Partners.The workshops targeted universities offering postgraduate programs in life and medical sciences.The purpose of the workshops was to enable participants to understand the concept of DURC,review their own research,determine if any of their experiments may be DURC,identify potential risks while conducting the research,and develop protocols to mitigate DURC threats.A pre-and post-workshop questionnaire evaluated the knowledge of the participants.Evaluations of both the course and facilitators were obtained at each workshop.
文摘Experimental research with animals can help the prevention,cure,and alleviation of human ailments.Animal research facilities are critical for scientific advancement,but they can also pose a higher risk than other biomedical laboratories.Zoonosis,allergic reactions,bites,cuts,and scratches by animals are all substantial concerns that can occur in animal facilities.Furthermore,human error and unexpected animal behavior pose a risk not just to humans,but also to the environment and the animals themselves.The majority of biosafety and biosecurity training programs focus on clinical and biomedical laboratories dealing with human safety factors,with little emphasis on animal biosafety.The current virtual training was designed to improve biosafety and biosecurity capabilities of animal laboratory personnel,researchers,and veterinarians from different regions of Pakistan.The results revealed that understanding was improved regarding triggers for risk assessment in addition to annual and regular reviews(56%to 69%),biosecurity(21%to 50%),decontamination(17%to 35%),safe handling of sharps(21%to 35%),Dual Use Research of Concern(DURC)(17%to 40%),Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)usage by waste handlers(60.9%to 75%),waste management(56%to 85%),animal biosafety levels(40.57%to 45%),and good microbiological practices and procedures(17%to 35%).To bring human and animal laboratories up to the same level in terms of biosafety and biosecurity,it is critical to focus on areas that have been overlooked in the past.Training programs focusing on animal biosafety should be conducted more frequently to strengthen bio risk management systems in animal research facilities.
文摘Laboratory diagnostic capacity is crucial for an optimal national response to a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.Preventing laboratory-acquired infections and the loss of critical human resources,especially during a public health emergency,requires laboratories to have a good biorisk management system in place.In this study,we aimed to evaluate laboratory biosafety and biosecurity in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic.In this cross-sectional study,a self-rated anonymous questionnaire was distributed to laboratory professionals(LPs)working in clinical diagnostic laboratories,including laboratories performing polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-based COVID-19 diagnostic testing in Punjab,Sindh,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces as well as Islamabad during March 2020 to April 2020.The questionnaire assessed knowledge and perceptions of LPs,resource availability,and commitment by top management in these laboratories.In total,58.6%of LPs performing COVID-19 testing reported that their laboratory did not conduct a biorisk assessment before starting COVID-19 testing in their facility.Only 31%of LPs were aware that COVID-19 testing could be performed at a biosafety level 2 laboratory,as per the World Health Organization interim biosafety guidelines.A sufficiently high percentage of LPs did not feel confident in their ability to handle COVID-19 samples(32.8%),spills(43.1%),or other accidents(32.8%).These findings demonstrate the need for effective biosafety program implementation,proper training,and establishing competency assessment methods.These findings also suggested that identifying and addressing gaps in existing biorisk management systems through sustainable interventions and preparing LPs for surge capacity is crucial to better address public health emergencies.
