Abstract
Introduction:
The National Public Health Reference Laboratory at the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Tripoli was the single site for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing in Libya. During the pandemic, large quantities of waste were generated each day. In response, the laboratory biosafety team conducted an assessment and implemented a plan to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity measures to mitigate high-risk biological waste.
Objectives:
To assess the potential biosafety and biosecurity hazards during surges in diagnostic response and create training programs and accompanying effective standard operating procedures (SOPs) that align with medical practices, ethical standards, available resources, and local regulations.
Methods:
A biosafety team was created to assess existing practices, identify gaps, and provide recommendations. SOPs were developed for biological waste collection, segregation, offsite transportation, treatment, and disposal.
Results:
From May 2020 to May 2022 approximately 22.8 kilograms of COVID-19 testing related laboratory waste was created and managed on daily basis. In response, NCDC’s biosafety team achieved a number of key goals: All laboratory and contract employees were trained on waste management best practices; four waste management SOPs were developed and deployed to provide standard guidance; training sessions were conducted to enhance safety measures; biomedical waste were professionally managed, ensuring compliance with health and environmental standards; and the biosafety team conducted regular monitoring and inspections for accountability and adherence to protocols.
Conclusion:
Examining the complete lifespan of biological waste from creation to disposal can inform more comprehensive policy development and improve overall laboratory biosafety during pandemic response.
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