Research conducted at WCM involving etiological agents or recombinant DNA is reviewed by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Each principal investigator in charge of a laboratory must submit a Laboratory Safety Registration for research involving biological agents. This registration provides a standardized submission process for principal investigators to meet the federal, state and local laboratory safety requirements.
Biological agents include organisms that can cause disease in humans, or cause significant environmental or agricultural impact, such as:
- bacteria
- viruses
- parasites
- prions
- fungi
- human or primate tissues, fluids, cells, or cell cultures/lines
- recombinant DNA (rDNA)
- vectors
- transgenic animals/plants
- human gene transfer/studies using rDNA
Appendix B of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules includes those biological agents known to infect humans as well as selected animal agents that may pose theoretical risks if inoculated into humans.
The CDC/NIH publication BMBL includes agent summary statements that describe the hazards, recommended precautions, and levels of containment appropriate for handling specific human and zoonotic pathogens, in the laboratory and in facilities that house laboratory vertebrate animals.
Related Links
- Animal Disease Information: Technical Fact Sheets
- NSF Biosafety Cabinetry Program
- Pathogen Safety Data Sheets and Risk Assessment (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Working with Human, NHP and Other Mammalian Cells and Tissues
- CDC Etiologic Agent Import Permit Program
- Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th Edition
- USAMRMC Researcher Resources
- NYP Infection Prevention & Control Manual
- NYP High-Level Disinfection
- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
- Novel and Exceptional Technology and Research Advisory Committee
- DEC - Guidance for Regulated Medical Waste Treatment, Storage, Containment, Transport and Disposal
- DOH - Managing Regulated Medical Waste
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Biotechnology Permits (USDA)
- New Corona VIRUS
Monkeypox Information Links