Virology Lab Safety Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

Why do antibiotics not affect viruses?

Viruses can mutate to resist antibiotic effects.

Antibiotics are designed to attack metabolic machinery which viruses lack. (correct)

Antibiotics require a host to work effectively.

Viruses are too small to be targeted by antibiotics.

What is the main aim of lab safety in virology?

To prevent the spread of infections to lab workers. (correct)

To enhance the experimentation process.

To allow for unrestricted access to lab age groups.

To safeguard the environment from chemical spills.

Which design feature helps prevent cross-contamination in a virology lab?

Using floor tiles that are easily replaced.

Having multiple windows for ventilation.

Having separate entrances for each lab.

All rooms arranged in a single corridor. (correct)

What type of cabinet is essential for performing virological procedures safely?

A lamina air flow cabinet. Signup and view all the answers

What should be worn as part of personal hygiene in the lab?

Face mask, lab coat, and eye goggles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of accidental infections in the lab?

Employee's work uniform. Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken regarding lab entry?

Restricted access for immuno-compromised individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What type of walls should virology lab rooms have?

Ceramic walls for cleanliness and disinfection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a pipette pump instead of mouth pipetting?

To improve safety and reduce contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct disposal method for sharps?

Use designated sharps containers Signup and view all the answers

How should heat labile liquids like antibiotics be treated during disposal?

Avoid heating them and dispose of according to regulations Signup and view all the answers

What distinction does BSL IV have compared to other biosafety levels?

Pathogens that are lethal and have no treatment or vaccine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of sterilization?

Chemical disinfection using Detol Signup and view all the answers

What additional equipment is required for working in a BSL III laboratory?

Protective suits and special gear Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about disinfectants and sterilants is correct?

Sterilants kill all microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of filtration in laboratory waste management?

To allow safe disposal of heat labile solutions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Virology Lab Safety

Virus: A microscopic, infectious agent that can only replicate inside living cells and consists of either DNA or RNA.
Lab safety in virology aims to:
- Prevent the spread of infections to lab workers.
- Prevent cross-contamination to ensure accurate results.
- Avoid accidental infection of lab animals, cell cultures, or tissue cultures.
- Protect biological materials like vaccines and serums.
- Prevent chemical and mechanical injury to personnel.
- Minimize environmental contamination.

Lab Design and Equipment

Virology Lab design:
- All rooms should be arranged along a single corridor, preventing contamination.
- Walls should be ceramic for easy cleaning and disinfection.
- Benchtops should be made of formica, a non-flammable, waterproof material.
- Availability of hot and cold water is crucial.
- Rooms should be spacious enough for two people (8x10 ft).
- A laminar airflow cabinet (workstation/lamina flow) is essential for performing all virological procedures.
- The cabinet provides two sterilization methods: air filtration and UV light.
Other essential equipment:
- Distilled water source (distellata)
- Cupboards for storage
- A fire extinguisher

Sources of Accidental Infection

Centrifuge: Can cause aerosols containing viruses.
Homogenizer: Used to cut tissues posing a risk of spills and contamination.
Sharps: Include metal (forceps, scissors), glass (pipettes, tubes), plastic (tips) and liquids (PBS, chemicals)

Lab Precautions

Entrance restrictions: Entry is limited for immunocompromised individuals:
- Young children
- Elderly individuals
- Pregnant women
- Individuals on corticosteroid treatments
Personal Hygiene:
- Always wear a face mask, lab coat, eye goggles, head covering, and overshoes.
- Keep nails trimmed, hair held back, and wash hands frequently.
Appliance Safety:
- Use a balance to ensure accurate results.
- Handle centrifuges carefully to minimize accidental infection risk.
- Use a homogenizer properly to avoid tissue spills.
Chemical Safety:
- Always handle chemicals with care.
Pipetting and Dispensing:
- Avoid mouth pipetting and use a pipette pump.
- Utilize multichannel pipettes for large volumes and automatic micropipettes (single or multi) for smaller volumes.
Waste Disposal:
- Sharps: Decontaminated before disposal.
- Organic waste: Includes animal tissue, cell cultures, and tissue cultures.
- Disposal methods:
  - HAO (Hot air oven): 160°C for 1 hour, 180°C for 30 minutes, or 200°C for 15 minutes.
  - Autoclave: 121°C for 20 minutes at 15 psi pressure.
  - Incineration: Effective for disposal, but cannot be reused.
Liquids:
- Heat-stable liquids: (Chemicals, PBS) can be autoclaved.
- Heat-labile liquids: (Antibiotics, serum, trypsin) require filteration to sterilize.

Personal Immunization and BSL Levels

Personal Immunization: Essential to protect lab personnel from infections.
BSL (Biosafety Levels): Classify laboratories based on the pathogenicity of viruses:
- BSL I: Non-pathogenic viruses for humans.
- BSL II: Viruses causing mild human diseases.
- BSL III: Dangerous viruses that can cause serious human diseases, but are treatable and vaccines are available.
- BSL IV: Lethal viruses with no treatment or vaccine available.
Examples of viruses by BSL:
- BSL I: LSD virus, ILT virus, BVD virus, FMD virus
- BSL II: FMD virus, NDV, ORF
- BSL III: Coronavirus, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Rabies
- BSL IV: HIV, Ebola, emerging viruses with no treatment or vaccine.

Laboratory Precautions Based on BSL

BSL I: All standard precautions (lab coat, gloves, face mask, overshoes, and head covering).
BSL II: All BSL I precautions + safety goggles.
BSL III: All BSL II precautions + protective suit and specialized protective equipment.
BSL IV: All BSL III precautions + special suits, oxygen source and specialized procedures.

Disinfection and Sterilization

Disinfection: Reduces microorganisms to a safe level.
Sterilization: Eliminates all microorganisms.
Chemical methods for disinfection:
- Detol
- Phenol
- Iodophores
- Formalin
- Alcohol
Physical methods for sterilization:
- Dry heat: Hot air oven (HAO)
- Moist heat: Autoclave (for heat-stable liquids and plastics)
- Filteration: Air filters (for heat-labile liquids like serum, trypsin, and antibiotics).

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Description

Explore the essential safety measures and lab designs necessary for working in virology labs. This quiz covers infection prevention tactics, contamination controls, and proper equipment setups to ensure a secure working environment. Test your knowledge on maintaining safety and efficacy in virology research.