ABSTRACT 

Tuberculosis (TB) exposes laboratory personnel to occupational infection risks during the collection, processing, and disposal of sputum specimens. This study assessed biosafety practices among laboratory personnel in public health facilities in Sembabule District, Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 60 laboratory personnel selected from public facilities providing TB diagnostic services. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and summarized using descriptive statistics. Only 46.7% of respondents fully understood national TB infection prevention and control guidelines, 45.0% had never received structured TB biosafety training, and 43.3% never attended biosafety refresher or continuous professional development sessions. Consistent adherence was also suboptimal: 45.0% always followed recommended sputum-handling protocols and 43.3% always used personal protective equipment (PPE). Frequent biosafety supervision was reported by 33.3%. Infrastructure gaps were substantial: PPE was always available to only 30.0%, fully functional biosafety cabinets were reported by 23.3%, and adequate ventilation by 36.7%. These findings indicate that moderate knowledge is not matched by consistent practice or adequate institutional support. Strengthening continuous training, supportive supervision, PPE supply systems, biosafety cabinet functionality, and laboratory ventilation is necessary to reduce occupational TB exposure in peripheral public health laboratories.

KEYWORDS

tuberculosis; biosafety; sputum; laboratory personnel; personal protective equipment; infection prevention and control; Uganda

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Cite this article

Habert, M. (2026). Biosafety Practices in Handling Tuberculosis Sputum Samples Among Laboratory Personnel in Public Health Facilities in Sembabule District, Uganda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH & MEDICAL RESEARCH, 5(10), 968-977. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijhmr.2026.v5i10n01