Introduction to Biosafety in Research

The risks associated with bio-related research activities arise from the samples and/or the procedural requirements, and include hazards related to the pathogen or human/animal cells being used in research, as well as hazards related to the procedures and practices followed in the lab.

Adherence to standard microbiological techniques and using facilities suitable to the risk level of the pathogen helps to protect the researcher from laboratory-acquired infections by reducing the risk of exposure to potentially infectious pathogens.

The probable routes of entry for pathogens when handling human or animal cells in research include inhalation of infectious aerosols, contact of the agent with the skin, eyes, or mucous membrane, inoculation by contaminated sharps, bites from infected animals or contact with their body fluids, and ingestion of infectious agents through mouth pipetting or contaminated hands.

Researchers who handle or manipulate human or animal cells are at risk of possible exposure to potentially infectious pathogens that may be present in those cells/tissues, including blood borne pathogens, which can be transmitted due to improper handling.

Aerosols generated during research activities remain undetected and can spread easily, remaining suspended in the laboratory atmosphere for a long time, posing a risk of exposure to infectious agents.