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Guidelines for Clinical Laboratories

Clinical laboratories receive clinical specimens with requests for a variety of diagnostic services. The infectious nature of this material is largely unknown. In most circumstances, the initial processing of clinical specimens and identification of microbial isolates can be done safely at BSL-2.

A primary barrier, such as a biological safety cabinet, should be used:

• when it is anticipated that splashing, spraying or splattering of clinical materials may occur,
• for initial processing of clinical specimens where it is suggested that an agent transmissible by infectious aerosols may be present (e.g., M. tuberculosis),
• to protect the integrity of the specimen.

All laboratory personnel who handle human source materials are included in the Bloodborne Pathogens Program as outlined in MSU's Exposure Control Plan. "Universal Precautions" need to be followed when handling human blood, blood products, body fluids or tissues.

The segregation of clinical laboratory functions and restricting access to specific areas is the responsibility of the laboratory director. It is also the director's responsibility to establish standard, written procedures that address the potential hazards and the required precautions to be implemented. A copy of the Exposure Control Plan must be available in all laboratories. Additional recommendations specific for clinical laboratories may be obtained from the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS).

Guidelines for Prion Use

Biosafety Manual Table of Contents