Knowledge and Practice of Standard Precautions Among Medical Laboratory Scientists in Tertiary Hospitals in Anambra State, South East Nigeria

Standard precautions form the cornerstone of infection control in clinical laboratories, protecting health workers from exposure to bloodborne and other infectious pathogens. This study assessed knowledge and practice of standard precautions among medical laboratory scientists in tertiary hospitals in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 practising medical laboratory scientists at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering knowledge of standard precautions, personal protective equipment use, hand hygiene, sharps disposal, and exposure management. Knowledge levels were generally good, with 74.2% scoring above the cut-off of 50%. However, practice scores were considerably lower, with only 46.7% demonstrating adequate compliance with all standard precaution components. Glove use was consistent in 87.5% of respondents, but face shield and goggles use was poor at 28.3%. Recapping of needles after use was reported by 41.7% of participants. Availability of personal protective equipment and institutional policy enforcement were identified as significant determinants of compliance. The study identifies a critical gap between knowledge and practice and recommends institutional enforcement of infection control policies, regular refresher training, adequate provision of protective equipment, and routine occupational health monitoring for laboratory staff across South East Nigeria. Keywords: standard precautions, infection control, medical laboratory scientists, personal protective equipment, Anambra State