Application of Infection Prevention and Control Protocols for Hepatitis B in Hospital Laboratories in Kano State

Hospital laboratory workers are occupationally exposed to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) through routine handling of blood, serum, and other potentially infectious materials. The consistent application of infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols is critical to reducing laboratory-acquired HBV transmission. This study assesses the application of IPC protocols for HBV prevention in hospital laboratories at three public tertiary and secondary hospitals in Kano State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional design combining direct structured observation and self-administered questionnaire will be used to evaluate 180 laboratory scientists, technicians, and assistants. The assessment tool, adapted from the WHO IPC Core Components framework, will evaluate personal protective equipment use, sharps disposal practices, handwashing compliance, HBV vaccination status, and post-exposure response knowledge. Supervisor interviews will supplement observations on IPC policy implementation and training schedules. Studies from northern Nigerian hospital laboratories report that sharps injury rates are high and vaccination coverage among laboratory support staff is particularly low. Findings will generate a laboratory-specific IPC compliance profile for Kano State facilities and recommend targeted interventions for the Kano State Hospitals Management Board to reduce occupational HBV transmission risk in public hospital laboratories. Keywords: infection prevention and control, Hepatitis B, hospital laboratory, Kano State, occupational exposure