Biosafety Procedures
Biosafety Procedures - Related Videos
06:19
Decontamination for Laboratory Biosafety
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2023
Robert M. Rioux and Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA Decontamination is essential for laboratory biosafety, as the accumulation of microbial contamination in the laboratory can lead to the transmission of disease. The degree of decontamination can be classified as either disinfection or sterilization. Disinfection aims to eliminate all pathogenic microorganisms, with the exception of bacterial spores on lab surfaces or equipment. Sterilization, on the other hand,...
09:54
Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 1. Biosafety Level 4 Suit Laboratory Suite Entry and Exit Procedures
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Cited by 21 •
2016
Although researchers are generally knowledgeable about procedures and safety precautions required for biosafety level 1 or 2 (BSL-1/2) experiments, they may not be familiar with experimental procedures in BSL-4 suit laboratories. This article provides a detailed visual demonstration of BSL-4 suit laboratory systems check, laboratory entry, movement, and exit procedures.
12:09
Avian Influenza Surveillance with FTA Cards: Field Methods, Biosafety, and Transportation Issues Solved
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Cited by 42 •
2011
A method to preserve, detect and sequence RNA from Avian Influenza Viruses was validated and extended using natural faecal samples from birds. This technique removes the necessity of maintaining a cool chain and handling of infectious viruses and can be applied in a 96-well high-throughput setup.
10:11
Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes
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Cited by 54 •
2014
Work with infectious Ebola viruses is restricted to biosafety level 4 laboratories. Tetracistronic minigenome-containing replication and transcription-competent virus like particles (trVLPs) represent a lifecycle modeling system that allows us to safely model multiple infectious cycles under biosafety level 2 conditions, relying exclusively on Ebola virus components.
09:36
Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 4. Medical Imaging Procedures
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Cited by 8 •
2016
Here, we present an overview of the preparation and animal handling procedures required to safely perform medical imaging in an animal biosafety level 4 laboratory. Computed tomography of a mock-infected guinea pig illustrates these procedures that may be used to evaluate the disease caused by a high consequence pathogen.
FAQs
Risk assessment links the biological hazard to the work being performed, allowing controls to be selected rather than applied uniformly. The assessment considers the agents or materials involved and the procedures that could create exposure, contamination, or release. This matching principle helps laboratories choose appropriate containment, protective equipment, handling practices, waste controls, and decontamination measures for each activity.
Containment, personal protective equipment, and aseptic technique address different points in the exposure chain. Protective equipment helps shield the researcher, while aseptic technique limits contamination during handling. Containment keeps hazards controlled within the working process. Using these measures together is important because personnel protection, sample integrity, and prevention of unintended spread are related but distinct goals.
Waste handling controls biological materials after they are generated, while decontamination reduces biological hazards associated with materials, equipment, or work areas. Treating them as separate controls helps prevent hazardous substances from remaining in the laboratory or moving beyond it. Together, these practices reduce accidental infection, cross-contamination, and unintended release during and after biological work.
A practical sequence begins with assessing the hazards and the planned procedure, followed by selecting controls suited to that combination. Researchers then apply containment, personal protective equipment, and aseptic technique during the work. Afterward, they manage waste and decontamination, document relevant activities, and use established emergency response measures if an unexpected exposure or release occurs.
They are particularly important when work involves microorganisms, cultured cells, clinical samples, genetic materials, or other potentially hazardous biological substances. The procedures help laboratories adapt safeguards to the materials and activities involved instead of relying on one general approach. This supports safer research while reducing contamination and protecting researchers, surrounding communities, and the environment.
Training helps researchers understand and consistently apply the controls required for their activities. Emergency response provides an organized approach when exposure or unintended release occurs, while documentation records the selected measures and relevant events. Together, these elements reinforce day-to-day practices, support accountability, and help maintain reliable experimental results by reducing preventable contamination and procedural gaps.