Using qualitative methods to investigate risk perception of Canadian medical laboratory workers in relation to current prion disease infection control policies.

The aim of this study was to determine the rationale, methodology, and progress of risk perceptions of laboratory workers in relation to existing prion disease infection control policies in Canadian medical laboratories. This study developed a Web survey that investigated the knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of laboratory staff in order to (1) identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps of current prion infection prevention and control guidelines and (2) inform the development of national medical lab specific guidelines. The use of qualitative methods to develop a relevant survey is described and future research activities are outlined. Preliminary, qualitative data indicate that, among laboratory staff, there is a high degree of perceived susceptibility toward prion transmission in medical laboratories. Significant barriers to following existing prion infection control guidelines are reported with few benefits of following these guidelines. As a result, laboratories take precautions above those that are required when processing suspect prion-infected specimens, which may result in testing delays. A focused survey for laboratory staff that addresses these issues will provide insight on the necessary steps that will ensure safe and efficient diagnostic testing for suspect prion specimens.