Report of survey: pregnancy outcomes in medical laboratory technologists

Can J Med Technol. 1994;56(1):20-9.

Abstract

A survey was published and distributed in the CSLT Bulletin. Completed surveys were returned anonymously by mail. Of the surveys returned (n = 2002), 16 were not usable due to incomplete information. Spontaneous abortion (SA) occurred in 19.9% of the total responders' pregnancies. Technologists not employed during pregnancy had a lower rate of SA (13.2%) compared to those working full-time (19.9%) (p < 0.001). Including all types of early (< 28 wk) pregnancy terminations (except induced abortion) the non-employed group had a 17% incidence of fetal loss compared to 23% in the group employed full-time (p < 0.001). The differences in SA rate could not be accounted for by mother's age at pregnancy nor previous obstetric history. The incidence of cesarean section was higher in the full-time employed group (16%) compared to the non-employed group of technologists (9.9%) (p < 0.001). There were 141 reported birth defects representing an overall incidence in responders of 4.8%, comparable to literature values for the general population (6.0%). The incidence of specific birth defects was not different in the working group.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / epidemiology
  • Adult
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Cesarean Section / statistics & numerical data
  • Congenital Abnormalities / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Medical Laboratory Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Occupational Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires