Validating Autoclave Cycles for Carcass Disposal in Animal Biosafety Level 2/3 Containment Laboratories.

Introduction: Animal carcasses differ in composition from other types of solid waste, and through prior testing it was determined that cycle parameters applied to general, solid biohazardous waste did not ensure proper sterilization of ferret carcasses.

Objectives: The goals of this study were to develop and validate an autoclave cycle that would ensure the decontamination of infectious animal carcasses before removal from an animal biosafety level 2/3 containment suite for downstream disposal and to test different ways to prepare and package animal carcasses for autoclaving.

Methods: Intact ferret carcasses were implanted with biological indicators, and the carcasses were placed in biohazard bags, then into metal pans.

Managing Research Animal Specimens and Laboratory Safety.

The procedures necessary to perform testing in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory have inherent associated risks to personnel in regard to exposure to infectious agents. In research institutions animals can be experimentally infected, acquire naturally occurring infections and can also be exposed to other hazards such as toxic chemicals or radiologic entities. A critical component of the use of animals in a research environment is the collaboration between the responsible researcher and the veterinary diagnostic laboratory with the institutional health and safety professionals to ensure that the proper engineering controls, personal protective equipment, laboratory procedures and training are in place for personnel working with the animals or their specimens.

Guidelines for Biosafety Training Programs for Workers Assigned to BSL-3 Research Laboratories.

The Guidelines for Biosafety Training Programs for Workers Assigned to BSL-3 Research Laboratories were developed by biosafety professionals who oversee training programs for the 2 national biocontainment laboratories (NBLs) and the 13 regional biocontainment laboratories (RBLs) that participate in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) NBL/RBL Network. These guidelines provide a general training framework for biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) high-containment laboratories, identify key training concepts, and outline training methodologies designed to standardize base knowledge, understanding, and technical competence of laboratory personnel working in high-containment laboratories. Emphasis is placed on building a culture of risk assessment-based safety through competency training designed to enhance understanding and recognition of potential biological hazards as well as methods for controlling these hazards.

Validation of an Animal Isolation Imaging Chamber for Use in Animal Biosafety Level-3 Containment.

Live imaging of animals infected with pathogenic microbes poses a contamination risk to equipment, personnel and other animals. A Caliper animal isolation chamber designed for the IVIS(®) Spectrum imaging system was tested as a containment device for mice infected with microbes assigned to animal biosafety level-3 (ABSL-3). A testing protocol was developed by adapting two published standards to test other equipment in high containment environments.

Effective treatment of PAH contaminated Superfund site soil with the peroxy-acid process.

Peroxy-organic acids are formed by the chemical reaction between organic acids and hydrogen peroxide. The peroxy-acid process was applied to two Superfund site soils provided by the U.S.