Recommendations for Safe Laboratory Practices
- When brucellosis is suspected in a patient, clinicians should note “suspect or rule out brucellosis” on the laboratory submission.
- Review laboratory containment methods and microbiological procedures to ensure compliance with recommendations in the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition
- Use primary barriers: use safety centrifuge cups, personal protective equipment, and class II or higher Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) for procedures with a high likelihood of producing droplet splashes or aerosols.
- Use secondary barriers: restrict access to the laboratory when work is being performed and maintain the integrity of the laboratory’s air handling system by keeping external doors and windows closed.
- Perform all procedures on unidentified isolates carefully to minimize the creation of splashes or aerosols.
- Prohibit sniffing of opened culture plates to assist in the identification of isolates. Manipulate isolates of small gram-negative or gram-variable rods within a BSC.
- Page last reviewed: November 12, 2012
- Page last updated: November 12, 2012
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