Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Course

Prayer Before Class

• Focuses on intellect and learning
• Requests guidance from the Holy Spirit
• Asks for clarity, understanding, and skill
• Seeks success and completion of work
• Acknowledges divine inspiration

Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity

• Course related to medical technology
• Emphasizes safe practices in labs
• Identifies principles of practice

Outline of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity

• Part I: History of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, different organizations in the field of biosafety, and 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, and classification of biosafety cabinets
• Part III: Laboratory Hazards and Accidents, Standard Precautions, and safe use and storage of chemicals and reagents

Learning Outcome

• Students should understand the importance of biosafety and biosecurity in the field of health sciences

Chain of Infection

• Emphasizes a linked process leading to infection
• Includes factors like the infectious agent, the reservoir, the portal of exit, the mode of transmission, the portal of entry, and the susceptible host

Chain of Infection: Part Model

• The model illustrates how pathogens are transmitted
• Key elements include: Microorganism, Reservoir/Source, Port of Entry, Modes of Transport, and Susceptible Host
• Port of Exit

Mode of Transmission: Direct Contact

• Involves close proximity of infected individual and susceptible host
• Three types: Vertical (mother to baby), horizontal, and direct contact

Mode of Transmission: Droplet Spread

• Respiratory particles carrying infectious agents
• Diameter over 5 micrometers, short travel distance (less than 1 meter)
• Occurs via sneezing, coughing, and talking

Mode of Transmission: Airborne

• Pathogens spread via droplet nuclei or airborne dust
• Diameter less than 5 micrometers, travel distances greater than 1 meter

Mode of Transmission: Common Vehicle Transmission

• Transfer of infectious agents by inanimate objects (soil, water, food, fomites)
• Types: Waterborne (contamination of water), Soil-borne (developing in soil), and Foodborne (incompletely cooked food)

Mode of Transmission: Vector-Borne Transmission

• Pathogens transmitted between hosts via intermediary animals (e.g., ticks, fleas, mosquitoes)
• Two types: Mechanical (pathogen not developing) and Biological (pathogen developing)

Classification of Microorganisms According to Risk Groups

• A ranking system based on the pathogenicity, transmission mode, host range, availability of preventive/treatment measures, and local availability.
• Four risk groups defined: Group 1 (lowest risk), Group 2 (moderate), Group 3 (high individual risk, lower community risk),and Group 4 (high risk for both individuals and community)

Laboratory Biosafety Levels

• Level 1 (BSL-1): Minimal risk, commonly used in undergraduate/secondary labs, emphasis on basic containment procedures like handwashing.
• Level 2 (BSL-2): Moderate risk, used with agents that can cause human disease. More advanced precautions and equipment for containing aerosols are required.
• Level 3 (BSL-3): High risk, used for agents that are associated with serious or potentially lethal respiratory transmission. Stronger containment like specialized equipment and controlled access are needed.
• Level 4 (BSL-4): Highest risk, used for dangerous agents with high potential for aerosolized transmission and frequently fatal infections where treatments are often unavailable. This level requires fully body suits and extremely strict containment and isolation.

Dominican Blessing

• A prayer seeking God's blessings for guidance, healing, and the spreading of the word of salvation.

This quiz focuses on the crucial aspects of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, covering its history, principles, and safe practices in medical technology. It emphasizes the importance of understanding hazards, infection chains, and proper laboratory protocols. Prepare to enhance your knowledge and ensure safe laboratory environments.