What is the primary cause of most laboratory-acquired infections?

The primary cause of most laboratory-acquired infections is injury with a needle or sharp object. This occurs because healthcare professionals and laboratory personnel frequently work with needles, sharps, and other devices that can inadvertently stab or cut the skin. Such injuries can introduce pathogens directly into the bloodstream or tissues, bypassing many natural defenses the body has against infections.

Additionally, the use of needles and sharp objects is common in various lab procedures, especially those involving blood or other potentially infectious materials. Therefore, the risk of exposure through these means is significantly high, and even a single incident can lead to serious consequences, including severe infections.

While other factors, such as exposure to chemicals, poor hygiene practices, and potential transmission from colleagues, can contribute to laboratory safety concerns, they do not account for the majority of laboratory-acquired infections as significantly as needle or sharp object injuries do.