High risk labels alert laboratory workers to samples which may need additional safety
and handling precautions.
High Risk Labelling NOT required for BBV positive samples
It can now be confirmed that samples from BBV positive patients no longer need
to be specially labelled or packaged for any Lothian laboratory.
The laboratories follow 'universal precautions' and treat all samples as potentially
hazardous. There are also more secure collection facilities.
High Risk Labelling IS REQUIRED
All biological agents causing infection are classified into hazard groups 1-4 by the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Those in groups 3 and 4 are deemed to be a
serious hazard and infective samples taken from such should be labelled high risk.
But the list of biological agents in these groups is extensive and includes many rare
infections unlikely to be encountered in general practice in the UK. Below is a
relevant summary of when labelling would be appropriate.
It is very important that the request form contains clear clinical details so staff can
help identify which samples may require additional precautions when processing.
If a high risk pathogen is suspected:-
1. Please document clinical details clearly on the request form.
2. Ensure containers are properly sealed and bagged.
3. Label form and containers as “high-risk” with a yellow high risk sticker
FAQs
Does this just apply to blood samples?
No. This advice is universal for blood, tissue and body fluid samples across all
laboratory disciplines.
What if I am unsure whether a sample should be regarded as high risk?
Please add the clinical history on the form and label as high risk - the lab will then
decide precaution requirements.
Do “high-risk” samples require special transport to the laboratory?
No* – but please ensure containers are properly sealed, bagged and labelled.
* the exception to this is patients with suspected viral haemorrhagic fever. These
cases must be discussed with medical staff at the Regional Infectious Diseases
Unit, WGH immediately and before any samples are taken. They will provide a
risk assessment and advise on sampling if necessary.
Where can I get yellow ‘high risk’ stickers?
These are available from procurement
Do I need to label Microbiology/Virology body fluid samples of known BBV
positive patients ‘high risk’?
Samples do not need to be labelled as high risk unless the criteria above apply. But
knowing someone’s HIV or other immunocompromised status may help with
interpreting the significance of Microbiology cultures.
What conditions caused by ‘high risk’ organisms can present in the UK?
Anthrax
Brucellosis
Diarrhoea associated with E Coli O157
Travel associated exotic fungal infections
Melioidosis
Tuberculosis
Typhoid (Enteric Fever)
Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers
This list is not exhaustive.
Please note that certain laboratory workers may be in contact with more exotic
pathogens depending on their work. If you are sending samples of infective body
fluids and unsure whether they have been dealing with a high risk pathogen please
contact the laboratory.
When should I suspect Viral Haemorrhagic fever (VHF)?
If the patient has a fever (>38 C) or history of a fever in the last 24hrs and has either
returned from a viral haemorrhagic fever endemic area in the last 21 days or had
contact with an individual, animal (or specimens from such) that is known or strongly
suspected to have VHF.
VHF endemic areas include East and West Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East.
A detailed list can be found on pages 35-39 of the following document here.
The full Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance can be found here.
A complete list of organisms and their Hazard Group can be found at here.
Country specific information on recent outbreaks (that is updated regularly) is
available on Travax: http://www.travax.nhs.uk
Any queries please send us an email: GP.MicroAdvice@luht.scot.nhs.uk or
GP.VirologyAdvice@luht.scot.nhs.uk or telephone: 0131 242 6048.