PMLS 01: Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Basics

Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity

• The primary purpose of laboratory biosafety is to protect laboratory workers, the environment, and the public from exposure to infectious agents.

Protection of Biological Materials

• The concept of "biological select agents" is related to the protection of valuable biological materials within laboratories.

Biological Weapons Program

• In 1969, US President Richard Nixon terminated the biological weapons program to prevent the development of biological weapons for offensive purposes.

Laboratory Biosecurity

• The main focus of laboratory biosecurity is to prevent the misuse of biological agents and toxins that could be used as biological weapons.

Classification of Microorganisms

• The classification of microorganisms according to their risk group falls under the category of biosafety levels.

Biosafety Level Classification

• The purpose of biosafety level classification of laboratories is to ensure that laboratories handling infectious agents have the necessary safety protocols and facilities in place.

History of Biosafety

• The first scientific director of Camp Detrick (Fort Detrick) was Ira L. Baldwin.
• The American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) was formed in 1984.
• Robert K. Johannes was recognized as one of the pioneers of biosafety.

Variola Virus

• The variola virus is officially stored only in two locations: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, and the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology in Koltsovo, Russia.

NIH Guidelines

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules.

Epidemiological Studies

• Arnold Wedum and his team analyzed multiple epidemiological studies of laboratory-based outbreaks.

Anthrax Attacks

• In 2001, letters containing Bacillus anthracis spores were mailed, resulting in several deaths and a significant public health response.

World Health Assembly

• The World Health Assembly agreed to destroy all remaining stocks of variola virus by 2002.

Test your knowledge on the basic concepts of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, including the history, policies, fundamental concepts, and classification of microorganisms. This quiz is designed to help students understand the related policies, guidelines, and organizations governing laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.