BIOSAFETY Flashcards
memorization
Designed to protect operator, the laboratory environment and work materials from exposure to infectious aerosols and splashes that may be generated when manipulating materials containing infectious agents, such as primary cultures, stocks and diagnostic specimens
Biological Safety Cabinets
Open front; unsterilized room air enters. Air passes through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter before being exhausted; provides minimal personnel protection. Does not protect work surfaces.
BSC I or BSC Class I
Completely enclosed; Negative pressure; Air is filter sterilized coming in and going out. Gloves are attached to front. Used in labs that work with extremely hazardous organisms.
BSC III or BSC Class III
Laminar flow cabinets with variable sash opening. Air passes through 1 HEPA filter before reaching work surface & 2nd one before being exhausted. Type most commonly used in hospital micro labs.
BSC II or BSC Class II
Examples of agents considered to be of minimal risk:
- Bacillus subtilis
- Mycobacterium gordonae
- Serratia marcescens
- Soil microbes
Examples of agents considered to be of moderate risk; common human pathogens:
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- HIV
- HBV
- influenza
- Staphylococcus
Those that may cause serious or lethal disease via inhalation. Effective treatment available
Biosafety level III
Examples of agents considered to be of High risk:
- Bacillus anthracis
- Francisella
- Brucella
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Rickettsia rickettsii
- Coxiella burnetii
- mold stages of systemic fungi
Those that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease. May be transmitted by aerosols. No vaccine or therapy
Biosafety level IV
Examples of agents considered to be of extreme risk:
- Ebola virus
- Lassa virus
- others that cause hemorrhagic fevers
