Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity

Prayer Before Class

• Holy Spirit, the true source of light and wisdom, is asked to enlighten and dispel the darkness of sin and ignorance.
• A penetrating mind, a retentive memory, and ease of learning are requested.
• The ability to express oneself clearly and understand concepts is sought.
• Guidance for effective work and successful completion is implored.
• This prayer is made through Jesus Christ, true God and true man, who reigns with the Father forever.

Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity

• The presentation covers the principles of Medical Technology Practice 1.

Outline

• Part I: History of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity; Different Organizations in 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 be able to articulate the importance of biosafety and biosecurity in the health sciences field by the end of the unit.

Chain of Infection

• Part Model: Illustrates how pathogens are transmitted through six components. Microorganisms, Reservoir/Source, Port of Entry, Modes of Transport, Port of Exit and Susceptible Host.
• Direct Transmission: Direct contact (involves actual contact/close proximity of the infected individual and susceptible host), Vertical (mother to baby), Horizontal (person-to-person).
• Droplet Spread: Respiratory particles containing infectious agents (diameter >5 micrometers), expelled by sneezing, coughing or talking, and travel a short distance (<1 meter).
• Airborne: Pathogens spread through droplet nuclei or airborne dust (diameter <5 micrometers), typically traveling greater than 1 meter.
• Common Vehicle Transmission: Transfer of infectious agents via an inanimate medium (soil, water, food, fomites).
  • Waterborne: Pathogens spread through contaminated water.
  • Soilborne: Pathogens develop in soil and are acquired from the soil.
  • Foodborne: Pathogens transmitted in foods that are improperly cooked or stored,
• Vectorborne: Pathogens transmitted between hosts through an intermediary animal (ticks, fleas, mosquitoes).
  • Mechanical vectors: ONLY carry pathogen on their bodies; no development.
  • Biological vectors: Serve as both host and breeding ground for pathogens.

Classification of Microorganisms According to Risk Groups

• Risk group classification is based on pathogenicity, mode of transmission, host range, local availability of preventive measures and treatment availability.

Laboratory Biosafety Levels

• BSL-1 (Minimal Risk): For undergraduate and secondary educational and teaching laboratories, minimal risk, basic level of containment, hand washing, microbiological best practices.
• BSL-2 (Moderate Risk): Limited access, procedures involving aerosols or splashes conducted in BSCs, training for personnel on handling infectious agents, supervised by competent scientists. Covers broad-spectrum biological agents, common human pathogens and agents associated with human disease.
• BSL-3 (High Risk): Emphasis on primary and secondary barriers, all procedures in BSCs (Class I, II, or III), controlled access, decontamination of all wastes and laboratory clothing, enhanced ventilation strategies, and HEPA filtration. Focuses on indigenous or exotic agents with potential respiratory transmission.
• BSL-4 (Extreme Risk): Contains dangerous and exotic biological agents causing a high individual risk of airborne transmission, extreme risk, requiring a separate building or completely isolated zone, fully body air-supplied positive pressure personnel suits, controlled access, and staff training.

Dominican Blessing

• A blessing invoked for God's protection, healing, and guidance, asking for eyes to see, ears to hear, hands to work for the Lord, and feet to walk a path of salvation.
• The blessing also requests the angel of peace to watch over those present, ultimately for the gift of the kingdom.

This quiz delves into the principles of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity as outlined in Medical Technology Practice 1. Key topics include the history of biosafety, infection chains, risk group classifications, and safety equipment. Test your knowledge on essential practices in a laboratory setting.