Safety Measures in Biochemistry Laboratory: Need of the Hour

Abstract

Introduction: Biochemistry laboratories like any other laboratory contain certain inherent dangers and hazards for the students. Proper guidelines regarding laboratory safety are missing in Biochemistry curriculum. So, skill training about laboratory safety in Biochemistry laboratory will be useful for the MBBS students. Aim: To train the undergraduate medical students about laboratory safety using “Safety measures in Biochemistry Laboratory” module and to assess their perception about this module. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in which 100 students of first year MBBS 2017 batch were included which were divided into study and control groups. In Study Group, 50 students were trained in the topic of laboratory safety using a module on “Safety measures in Biochemistry Laboratory” which included three sessions of didactic lectures and two sessions of hands-on training. In Control Group, 50 students were not given any intervention. Outcome of training was assessed with the help of “Biochemistry Laboratory Safety Index” (BLSI) scores, which was designed by authors and was validated from 10 external subject experts of the Biochemistry Department. Pre-test and post-test marks of study and control group participants were compared using paired t-test for each group. Absolute learning gain (Post-test score-Post-test score) and relative learning gain (Post-test score-Pre-test score/Pre-test score) was calculated. Results: Absolute learning gain for control and study group was 0.11 and 5.53, respectively, while relative learning gain for control and study group was 0.16 and 89.62 respectively. Pre-test and post-test scores are statistically non-significant (p>0.05) in the control group, while Pre-test and post-test scores are statistically significant (p<0.001) in the study group. BLSI scores in control group was excellent for 9 (18%), good for 16 (32%), average for 19 (38%) and poor for 06 (12%) students; while in study group it was excellent for 41 (82%), good for 08 (16%) students, average for 01 (02%) students and poor for nil students. Conclusion: Module of “Safety measures in Biochemistry Laboratory” is significantly effective educational intervention as it improves the knowledge about Laboratory safety and its implication for medical students during Biochemistry practicals. Training about “Safety measures in Biochemistry Laboratory” can be incorporated in the existing undergraduate Curriculum of Biochemistry.