Laboratories

A point-of-care (POC) HIV drug resistance (HIV-DR) test is needed for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Oligonucleotide Ligation Assay (OLA)-Simple, designed as a near-POC HIV-DR test, was assessed for its overall usability in Kenya by technicians with and without molecular laboratory PCR experience. Further, its diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by PCR-experienced technicians utilizing 147 plasma samples with known Sanger sequence genotypes—based on seven major HIV-DR mutations of nucleotide and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Thirteen laboratory technicians were recruited, including five with prior PCR experience. Twelve technicians completed the training and attained OLA-Simple testing competency, ten of whom were able to perform the OLA-Simple test within 6 h. Technicians’ survey feedback indicated the user-friendliness of OLA-Simple, citing straightforward reagent reconstitution, concise instructions in prompts, and a shorter sample-to-result test time compared to standard genotyping assays. Of the 147 archived plasma samples tested, 132 (90%) yielded interpretable results. OLA-Simple assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 97.3% (95% CI 94.5, 98.9), a specificity of 97.2% (95% CI 95.5, 98.3), and a percent agreement of 97.1% (95% CI 95.9, 98.2) compared to Sanger sequencing. This evaluation found that OLA-Simple was user-friendly among intended end-users and performed well. LMIC HIV programs would benefit from strategizing on case-use scenarios for such near-POC HIV-DR assays to improve HIV outcomes. Full article

The Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM) today presents a definition of measurement uncertainty that modifies the previous one and improves the management of scenarios other than scalar (quantitative) measurements, such as classificatory or qualitative (nominal and ordinal) properties. Nominal results are often found in biology and medicine. For the accreditation of medical laboratories and testing laboratories, both ISO 15189 and ISO 17025 require the management of these situations, using the professional expertise of specialists with the support of manufacturers. Some of the members of JCGM WG2 developed a discussion on the concept of measurement uncertainty and raised some criticisms. ISO produces detailed guides for this purpose, such as ISO 20914, ISO 27877, ISO 16393, ISO 20397-2, and ISO 22692. Laboratories now have all the tools they need to meet accreditation requirements on uncertainty. Full article

The development of an immersive virtual reality laboratory in the facilities of a private Mexican university is presented. This laboratory contemplates the use of different disciplines and different student profiles, for which it was developed considering technological, ergonomic, educational, and disciplinary requirements. A primary assessment of a selected group of students was developed to find out the initial level of satisfaction with the user experience in the laboratory and the improvements to be proposed for future adaptations. Full article

Exposure to chemical irritants in laboratory and medical environments poses significant health risks to workers, particularly in relation to asthma-like symptoms. Routine cleaning practices, which often involve the use of strong chemical agents to maintain hygienic settings, have been shown to contribute to respiratory issues. Laboratories, where chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and ammonia are frequently used, represent an underexplored context in the study of occupational asthma. While much of the research on chemical exposure has focused on industrial and high-risk occupations or large cohort populations, less attention has been given to the risks in laboratory and medical environments, particularly for professional cleaning staff. Given the growing reliance on cleaning agents to maintain sterile and safe workspaces in scientific research and healthcare facilities, this gap is concerning. This study developed an exploratory simulation tool, using a simulated cohort based on key demographic and exposure patterns from foundational research, to assess the impact of chemical exposure from cleaning products in laboratory environments. Four supervised machine learning models were applied to evaluate the relationship between chemical exposures and asthma-like symptoms: (1) Decision Trees, (2) Random Forest, (3) Gradient Boosting, and (4) XGBoost. High exposures to hydrochloric acid and ammonia were found to be significantly associated with asthma-like symptoms, and workplace type also played a critical role in determining asthma risk. This research provides a data-driven framework for assessing and predicting asthma-like symptoms in professional cleaning workers exposed to cleaning agents and highlights the potential for integrating predictive modeling into occupational health and safety monitoring. Future work should explore dose–response relationships and the temporal dynamics of chemical exposure to further refine these models and improve understanding of long-term health risks. Full article

Several studies have investigated airborne chemical exposures in university teaching laboratories, where activities are typically structured and supervised. University research laboratories typically involve greater autonomy, the use of more hazardous substances, and less oversight. This industry-embedded study aimed to develop a comprehensive guideline for occupational hygiene and health monitoring (OHHM) tailored to a university context, including both teaching and research laboratories. Guidelines and policies from the Western Australian mining sector and six Australian universities were analysed to identify common elements for a draft OHHM guideline. This draft was reviewed by an industry advisory group (IAG) of five Australian university health and safety managers. Their feedback was analysed and discussed with the Chief Safety Officer at Edith Cowan University (ECU). Following the incorporation of this input and final revisions, the guideline was ratified and implemented across ECU in April 2025. The guide adopts a risk-based occupational hygiene (OH) approach, in which OH monitoring results determine the need for health monitoring (HM). Implementation is supported by central coordination and external OH consultancy. The study presents the resulting guide document, which establishes a replicable framework that may inform similar initiatives in universities internationally (especially those with laboratories). Full article

Effective management of chemical reagents in universities is essential for laboratory safety and operational efficiency. Manual management models characterized by fragmented oversight are insufficient to ensure traceability, real-time monitoring, and safety compliance, as evidenced by the recurring occurrence of laboratory safety accidents. In this study, we propose an intelligent management model for college-level chemical reagent repositories. The model was built on a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)-based architecture and modified using Internet of Things (IoT) sensing, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and intelligent hardware. It transforms the full-lifecycle of reagents (from procurement and storage to distribution, usage, and waste disposal) into a digital, automated, closed-loop process. In addition, this study also highlights key technical challenges, including heterogenous system integration and reliable data acquisition under complex environmental conditions, and proposes practical strategies, such as lightweight Application Programming Interface (API) middleware. The results show that the proposed model is a feasible and robust framework for precise, proactive, and data-driven management of hazardous chemicals in academic settings. Full article

Designing laboratory experiences that support both skill development and conceptual understanding is a persistent challenge in introductory chemistry education—especially within accelerated or compressed course formats. To address this need, we developed and implemented a systems-thinking-based laboratory module on error analysis for a large introductory chemistry course at Brown University, composed primarily of first-year students (approximately 150–200 students in the spring semesters). Unlike traditional labs that isolate single techniques or concepts, this module integrates calorimetry, precipitation reactions, vacuum filtration, and quantitative uncertainty analysis into a unified experiment. Students explore how procedural variables interact to affect experimental outcomes, promoting a holistic understanding of accuracy, precision, and uncertainty. The module is supported by multimedia pre-lab materials, including faculty-recorded lectures and interactive videos developed through Brown’s Undergraduate Teaching and Research Awards (UTRA) program. These resources prepare students for hands-on work while reinforcing key theoretical concepts. A mixed-methods assessment across four semesters (n > 600) demonstrated significant learning gains, particularly in students’ ability to analyze uncertainty and distinguish between accuracy and precision. Although confidence in applying significant figures slightly declined post-lab, this may reflect increased awareness of complexity rather than decreased understanding. This study highlights the educational value of integrating systems thinking into early-semester laboratory instruction. The module is accessible, cost-effective, and adaptable for a variety of institutional settings. Its design advances chemistry education by aligning foundational skill development with interdisciplinary thinking and real-world application. Full article

The escalating frequency and complexity of cyber threats have made cybersecurity education a national priority, yet a practical gap persists between theoretical instruction and workforce readiness. This study presents a comprehensive, modular framework for designing and implementing cybersecurity laboratories in academic institutions, environments that foster hands-on learning, skill mastery, and curricular innovation. Using a mixed-methods, multi-stage case study approach, the research combined qualitative analysis of institutional practices and instructional methods with quantitative evaluation of learning outcomes to comprehensively examine technical and pedagogical considerations impacting lab development. Data sources included literature analysis, direct observation, document review, and semi-structured interviews. The study synthesized best practices across these domains into a scalable lab design model grounded in experiential learning theory. Results demonstrate that the framework supports enhanced student performance, instructional adaptability, and simulation fidelity. Case study data revealed measurable gains in participant competency, with all participants achieving at least a 20% improvement in post-training test scores, high engagement levels demonstrated through consistent session attendance and active participation in hands-on exercises, and successful adaptation to logistical and technological barriers, including facility relocations and system downtime incidents. The lab’s modularity enabled curricular alignment, resource efficiency, and expansion to serve workforce training initiatives beyond the classroom. By integrating pedagogical (structured, teacher-guided instructional approaches) and andragogical (adult learning) design with technological scalability, this research contributes an actionable roadmap for institutions seeking to modernize cybersecurity education and respond effectively to evolving digital threats. The findings offer broad implications for future curriculum development, facilitator training, and sustainable program implementation. Full article

Engineering education depends on hands-on experimentation, but laboratory access is often limited by time, availability, and resources. Remote laboratories mitigate these barriers by enabling online access to real experiments, with the Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality (VISIR) standing out as a long-established system for teaching electronics and electrical circuits. Based on an extensive literature review and on substantial experience, this study qualitatively analyzes VISIR and identifies limitations related to scalability, interoperability, and integration with emerging technologies. From these insights, the paper proposes a set of improvements and technologies to enhance or replace key components while preserving its core infrastructure. The conclusions contribute to practical recommendations for those developing remote laboratories for electrical circuits and analog electronics education, thus offering achievable design suggestions and outlining directions for future research and development. Full article

Occupational asthma (OA) and rhinitis are health problems occurring in facilities employing animals for medical and scientific reasons. We have compared the UK trends (2006–2023) in these outcomes reported to the SWORD scheme with changes in routine and personal air monitoring for the major mouse (Mus m 1) and rat (Rat n 1) allergens. The exposure data contained 1540 and 688 mouse and rat results, respectively, expressed in ng.m⁻³. The median, 75th and 90th percentiles were used as exposure characteristics, and annually incrementing three-yearly rolling data slices compared exposure and health outcomes by linear regression. The median, P75 and P90 for Mus m 1 all showed annual declines of around 5–6% (p < 0.001), suggesting general improvements in controlling mouse allergen exposure, but without evidence of a decline in rat allergen levels (p > 0.05), although control measures for both species are largely identical. An annual mean decline in OA of 2.9% (p = 0.021) was identified, but without a significant decline in rhinitis (−1.4%; p = 0.21). Over 16 years, reductions in exposure to the predominant rodent species were accompanied by a concomitant but smaller reduction in OA. These data confirm the immediate value of controlling relevant allergen exposure in reducing the incidence of IgE-E mediated OA. Full article

Online laboratories have emerged as a viable alternative for providing hands-on experience to engineering students, especially in fields related to computer, software, and electrical engineering. In particular, remote laboratories enable users to interact in real time with physical hardware via the internet. However, current remote laboratory systems often restrict access to a single user per session, limiting broader participation. Embedded systems laboratory activities have traditionally relied on in-person instruction and direct interaction with hardware, requiring significant time for code development, compilation, and hardware testing. Students typically spend an important portion of each session coding and compiling programs, with the remaining time dedicated to hardware implementation, data collection, and report preparation. This paper proposes a remote laboratory implementation that optimizes remote laboratory stations’ availability, allowing users to lock the system only during the project debugging and testing phases while freeing the remote laboratory station for other users during the code development phase. The implementation presented here was developed for a microprocessor laboratory course. It enables users to code the solution in their preferred local or remote environments, then upload the resulting source code to the remote laboratory hardware for cross-compiling, execution, and testing. This approach enhances usability, scalability, and accessibility while preserving the core benefits of hands-on experimentation and collaboration in online embedded systems education. Full article

The Multi-User Textile Analysis Laboratory (LTex), a case study from a Brazilian university, was established to address the technical demands of the local textile industry, a regional hub with a predominantly female workforce. Globally, laboratories seeking recognition for their technical competence rely on accreditation to a widely adopted international standard. This work explores how the technical requirements of this standard can be integrated with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, using a Brazilian recommended practice aligned with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a reference. The goal is to propose a unified framework for sustainable and inclusive management in university laboratories. The research employed an exploratory literature review, a documentary analysis comparing the two normative documents, the development of a structured checklist, and the formulation of a conceptual model for sustainable and inclusive laboratory management. The findings identified both overlaps and gaps, particularly regarding risk management, transparency, and gender equity, and supported the creation of an evaluation tool structured around six thematic axes. The proposed checklist enables simultaneous assessment of technical compliance and ESG maturity, guiding laboratories toward aligning accreditation processes with sustainability goals. The LTex case study demonstrates the model’s applicability and its potential to foster regulatory compliance, organizational improvement, and female empowerment in technical leadership. Full article

Polycarbonate laboratory safety glasses and facial shields were tested for impact resistance. Impacts from 22-caliber bullets fired from a firearm were compared with impacts of pellets fired from an air rifle. A low-weight pellet fired from an air rifle is a suitable and safer alternative to the use of a firearm. The results show that if there is a need for protection from flying projectiles, one should use multiple layers of protection. Furthermore, already-damaged protective equipment, even if the damage appears to be minor, may not provide any protection and should not be used. The resulting impacted polycarbonate lenses and sheets were used in a classroom discussion with the undergraduate chemistry students about polymer properties and adequate safety protection. Full article

This review recalls some ISO 15189:2022 requirements for the management of examination results and emerging alternatives to internal quality control (IQC) in relation to Italian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (SIPMeL) Recommendation Q19. We observed phenomena of contrasting “metrological”, or rather “tracealogic”, and “statistical” approaches. SIPMeL Recommendation Q19 enhances IQC with a moving average based on ISO 15189, which enables the use of the moving average of patient sample results (MA). In the veterinary field, the procedure of QC with repeat testing on patient samples (RPT-QC) has met with some success. The “Bayesian approach” of IQC makes use of the distinction between a priori probability, evidential probability (data) and a posteriori probability (IQC rules). SIPMeL Recommendation Q19 strictly adheres to the ISO 15189:2022 document. SIPMeL Q19 calls for abandoning the 1–2 s rule, using appropriate computer tools, not only control charts, and trying to reduce false positives to very low frequencies. Alternatives to IQC using patient results and the Bayesian approach are compatible with ISO 15189 and SIPMeL Q19. In contrast, the alternative using material designed for traceability with assigned values, is not compatible with the ISO standard. Full article

From an occupational health perspective, if not stored, handled, and disposed of properly, laboratory chemicals exhibit hazardous properties such as flammability, corrosion, and explosibility. Additionally, they can also cause a range of health effects in handlers, including irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity. Additionally, the chemical waste generated during the planned assay is a significant byproduct and, if left untreated, can cause detrimental effects on both living organisms and non-living elements when released into the environment. Chemically, laboratory waste contains reagents, organic and inorganic compounds, and diagnostic stains. These agents are more toxic and hazardous than residential waste and affect the personnel handling them and the environments in which they are released. Considering this, it is crucial to adhere to waste management regulations during the various stages including generation, segregation, collection, storage, transportation, and treatment. This is extremely important and necessary if we are to avoid harm to individuals and environmental contamination. This review encompasses the examination of laboratory medical waste, various categories of chemical waste, and strategies to minimize and ensure the safe disposal of these toxic agents. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first review that focuses on the effects of laboratory-generated chemical wastes and environmental ethics. This is a neglected topic in healthcare education, and this review will serve as a valuable resource for students. Full article

People in laboratories often use paper or digital formats for incident reporting. These methods make it difficult to group events, check follow-up actions, or use the data to improve safety. This article presents a conceptual model for digital incident reporting in laboratories, designed to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) by addressing the lack of standardized reporting structures. The model was developed based on a review of safety standards, laboratory procedures, and relevant studies published between 2010 and 2024. The review identified five basic functions required for an effective digital incident reporting system: structured data input, event classification, alerting, access to reports, and follow-up tracking. These five functions were used to create a modular structure that shows how incident reporting works in laboratories. The model can be used with simple tools, and it does not require specialist software. It can be adjusted to local workflows and settings. While ISO 45001:2018 describes the goals of incident management, it does not offer a structure for reporting. This model responds to that gap. It supports consistent documentation and can help laboratories review incidents. This makes it easier to track responses, especially when no formal system exists. Full article

The Marburg virus (MARV) is an extremely contagious zoonotic virus that leads to severe hemorrhagic fever in humans, with a fatality rate as high as 90%. It is known for causing nosocomial outbreaks in hospitals and laboratories globally. The recent outbreak of MARV in Rwanda highlighted significant challenges to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols in two major hospitals, leading to outbreaks in intensive care units (ICUs) where the majority of infections occurred among healthcare providers. In contrast, the Rwandan National Reference Laboratory (NRL) demonstrated remarkable preparedness and resilience due to systematic investments and capacity building, which resulted in zero contamination, exposure, or infection, despite handling thousands of samples from across the country. This stark difference in infection dynamics between laboratory personnel at the NRL and healthcare providers underscores the effectiveness of the strict biosafety and biosecurity measures in place. Consequently, this situation underscores the urgent need for cross-facility training, the sharing of best practices, and the role of the NRL in reinforcing IPC measures throughout the country. This report delves into the preparedness and resilience of the NRL by examining its exemplary laboratory biosafety and biosecurity practices, emphasizing the crucial need for ongoing training, supervision, adherence to safety protocols, and improvements in the structure and operations of healthcare settings to prevent future outbreaks. Full article

Based on the interpretation of the identified risk biases from a narrative perspective, this paper studies the biases in safety and security risk management of chemical-related academic laboratories from four parts: risk identification, risk assessment, risk control and continuous monitoring. Mainly systematic error, inclusion of risk events, cognitive factors, model/algorithmic and social/interpersonal during risk management are discussed. The bias related to uncertain risk events, which is the most common and easily ignored during risk management, mainly including the imbalance between safety risk management and security risk management. Therefore, while protecting the laboratory from unintentional and unpremeditated safety risks within the system, it is also critical to protect the system from external, deliberate and premeditated security risks. This research paper is expected to spur and promote more discussion and the best practices in laboratory risk management among researchers, educators, managers and other stakeholders for handling biases in the risk management of chemical-related academic laboratories. Full article

For their future profession, pre-service chemistry teachers need to acquire practical skills during their university studies. In this article, the development, use and evaluation of several laboratory courses that aim at the acquisition of experimental competencies are described and discussed. During their bachelor’s studies, students take laboratory courses in general, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and a research internship. During their master’s studies, students take one laboratory course in organic chemistry. To evaluate these laboratory courses, quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. As the results of those evaluations show, the students are content with the courses and rate them as relevant for their future profession. The courses often use methods and tools that pre-service chemistry teachers can also use in their future profession in schools; such methods and tools serve as a didactic double decker, which means that pre-service chemistry teachers use their experiences as a student later in schools as a teacher. To further develop the laboratory courses, this idea will continue to be considered. Full article