Mortuaries and autopsy rooms are hazardous workplaces for professionals and workers, warns a recent study conducted in Mangaluru. According to B Suresh Kumar Shetty, associate dean and professor of forensic medicine at Kasturba Medical College, infections like tuberculosis (TB) and HIV pose significant risks to autopsy workers, often going undiagnosed until the autopsy process begins.
The study, titled “Prevalence of HIV Cases Among Tuberculosis Deaths at Autopsy,” published in the Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, emphasizes the urgent need for precautionary measures in autopsy rooms. It suggests installing proper air circulation systems to minimize aerosol formation, especially since TB is an airborne infection. Additionally, reducing the use of equipment like saws and minimizing the opening of intestines submerged in water could help mitigate risks.
Special attention is advised during organ washing and handling to prevent aerosol formation, with the recommendation to minimize equipment usage and designate clear stations for their storage. Staff are urged to handle instruments, especially sharps, with extreme care.
Dr. Shetty underscores the importance of considering TB as a strong probability in HIV-diagnosed patients, advocating for effective staff training and periodic screenings to maintain safety standards. Awareness of associated hazards among healthcare professionals is crucial for reducing exposure risks in the workplace.
The retrospective study, conducted using postmortem reports from Wenlock District Government Hospital, Mangaluru, focused on TB-related deaths between Jan 1, 2010, and Dec 31, 2015. Out of 5,229 autopsy cases, 63 were attributed to TB-related deaths. The study was authored by a team from Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru, along with collaborators from Tezpur University and Manipal School of Life Sciences.