Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

MICROBIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF THE TECHNICAL ENVIRONMENT IN A BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY: CASE OF A LABORATORY IN MOROCCO

Ghita Essoudy M., Mohammed El Mzibri, Mohammed Dehhaoui, Saâd El Kabbaj and Mimoun Zouhdi

Abstract

To assess the impact of the quality management approach on the microbiological contamination of air and benches in different areas of the LRAM, that occurred in 2015–2017. According to ISO / DIS 14698-1, 4603 samples were collected, including 4407 surface samples and 556 air samples. The percentage of noncompliance was assessed by year and by controlled environment areas. Overall, total yeasts and molds vary between 4 and 910 CFU/m3 in air and between 0 and 59 CFU/25 cm2 at surfaces after disinfection. The microbial contamination is variable depending on the controlled area. Total mesophilic flora in air are ranging between 7 and 1189 CFU/m3 and between 0 to 28 CFU/25cm2 after disinfection. Accordingly, 6.5% of microbiological controls at surfaces and 8% of aerobio contamination controls were found to be noncompliant in 2015. In 2016 and 2017, the level of aerobio contamination was regressed to 4.25% and 7.6%, respectively; whereas microbial contamination at surfaces was regressed to 0.6% and 1.3%, respectively. These results clearly showed that the implementation of quality approach in the LRAM, including staff commitment, staff training and awareness, cleaning and disinfection procedures and proper choice of cleaning products, has improved the microbiological quality of air and surface with a clear decrease of the nonconforming controls for both air and surface samples. This study highlights the importance of quality approach in medical laboratories to ensure optimal hygiene conditions, to offer quality services to patients and to improve the biosafety of both staff and patients.