Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Course

Prayer Before Class

• A prayer invoking the Holy Spirit, Divine Creator for guidance and wisdom
• Asking for clarity of thought and understanding
• Seeking grace in expressing oneself.
• Requesting for successful completion of work.
• Ending with a plea to Jesus Christ and the Father, for eternal blessings.

Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity

• This is a course about laboratory procedures and safety related to medical technology practice.
• It covers the principles of biosafety and biosecurity.

Outline

• Part I: History of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity, Different Organizations in the Field of Biosafety, Basic Concepts on Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity.
• Part II: Chain of Infection, Classification of Microorganisms According to Risk Groups, Categories of Laboratory Biosafety According to Levels, Classification of Biosafety Cabinets.
• Part III: Laboratory Hazards and Accidents, Standard Precautions, Safe Use and Storage of Chemicals and Reagents.

Learning Outcome

• Students will articulate the importance of biosafety and biosecurity within the field of health sciences.

Chain of Infection

• This is a model that illustrates how pathogens are transmitted and spread through the following stages:
  • Microorganism (pathogens)
  • Reservoir/Source
  • Port of Exit
  • Modes of Transport/Transmission
  • Port of Entry
  • Susceptible Host

Mode of Transmission: Direct Transmission

• Direct Contact:
  • Involves physical contact or close proximity between an infected and a susceptible host
  • Includes vertical transmission (mother to baby).
  • Includes horizontal transmission (person-to-person)
• Droplet Spread:
  • Respiratory particles of moisture carrying infectious agents.
  • Expelled through sneezing, coughing, or talking.
  • Short distance travel (<1 meter).
• Airborne:
  • Pathogens spread through droplet nuclei or airborne dust.
  • Small diameter (<5 micrometers) and can travel greater distances (>1 meter)

Mode of Transmission: Indirect Transmission/Common Vehicle Transmission

• Common Vehicle:
  • Infectious agents are transmitted through an inanimate medium like water, food, soil, etc.
  • Waterborne: Spread through contaminated water.
  • Soilborne: Pathogens develop in soil, and susceptible hosts acquire them.
  • Foodborne: Pathogens are spread through contaminated food, from improper cooking, refrigeration or sanitary preparation.
• Fomites: Non-living objects that transmit infectious diseases (spread by contact).

Mode of Transmission: Indirect Transmission/Vector Borne Transmission

• Vector Borne: Transmitted between hosts via an intermediary like an animal.
  • Mechanical vectors: Carry pathogens on their bodies (without developing there).
  • Biological vectors: Carry pathogens, and the pathogens develop within the vector.

Classification of Microorganisms According to Risk Groups

• The classification is based on:
  • Agent's pathogenicity
  • Mode of transmission
  • Host range
  • Availability of effective preventive measures
  • Availability of effective treatment

Laboratory Biosafety Levels (CDC/NIH)

• BSL-1 (Minimal Risk):
  • For educational/teaching laboratories.
  • Minimal containment, minimal risk. Does not require biosafety cabinets.
  • Well-characterized agents not consistently causing disease to healthy humans.
• BSL-2 (Moderate Risk):
  • Includes common human pathogens.
  • Procedures require basic containment practices (e.g., handwashing).
  • Containment devices (e.g., BSCs) are required for aerosol risks.
• BSL-3 (High Risk):
  • For agents associated with serious/potentially lethal respiratory transmission.
  • Requires enhanced primary and secondary barriers, controlled access, enhanced decontamination procedures, and specific training.
• BSL-4 (Extreme Risk):
  • Specialized facilities with complete isolation measures.
  • For agents with a high potential for aerosol transmission, high morbidity, and mortality. Includes dangerous agents without available treatments.

Dive into the essentials of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity with this comprehensive quiz. Covering historical context, principles, and safety procedures, it equips participants with the knowledge needed for safe medical technology practice. Explore various risk categories, biosafety cabinets, and much more to ensure safe laboratory environments.