occupational exposure to blood and other bodily fluids among laboratory technicians: an underestimated risk factor

background: the aim of this study was to evaluate risk of needle stick and sharp injuries (nsi) and exposure to blood borne pathogens, among laboratory technicians. methods: 213 self-reporting questionnaires were distributed among the laboratory technicians who were working at three educational hospitals in tehran. a total of 193 laboratory personnel completed the questionnaire. results: 69.9% of participants were females. 94 (43.5%) of participants had a history of needle stick injury and 70 (36.3%) had splash injury during their work life. the prevalence of one year (last year) exposure was 25.4% and 17.1% respectively. in 58 out of 94 cases, recapping was the mechanism of injury. 151 laboratory personnel (78.2%) had been immunized against hepatitis b virus (hbv). 79.8% of the laboratory personnel usually eat, drink or smoke at workplace. 175 (91%) of the study sample used personal protective equipment such as glove in laboratory environment. conclusions: in this study, a high frequency of nsi and splash were observed among laboratory technicians in the research context, which was not related to some variables such as age, sex, duration of employment, the hbv vaccination status, participating in workshop of education and training for injury prevention.