WEEK2

Biosafety

Containment principles, technologies, and practices implemented to prevent unintentional exposure to biological agents.

Laboratory Biosecurity

The discipline addressing the security of microbiological agents and toxins against deliberate misuse or release.

Agent Risk Group 1

Agents not associated with disease in healthy adults.

Agent Risk Group 2

Agents associated with human disease which is rarely serious and for which preventative or therapeutic interventions are often available.

Agent Risk Group 3

Agents associated with serious or lethal human disease for which preventative or therapeutic interventions may be available.

Agent Risk Group 4

Agents likely to cause serious or lethal human disease for which preventative or therapeutic interventions are usually not available.

Biosafety Levels

Levels of biocontainment precautions required to isolate dangerous biological agents.

Biocontainment

Safe methods for managing infectious agents to reduce laboratory exposure and prevent their escape into the environment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety gear worn to protect against health and safety hazards in the laboratory.

Universal Precautions

The practice of treating all patients as if they are potential carriers of blood-borne pathogens.

Chemical Hygiene Plan

A written plan detailing appropriate work practices for the safe use of hazardous chemicals.

Biological Hazards

Hazards related to exposure to blood and body fluids.

Chemical Hazards

Substances that can cause injury or illness through various mechanisms, including corrosive, irritant, reactive, or carcinogenic effects.

Fire Hazards

Materials that can catch fire or explode, classified by their flashpoint.

Radiation Hazards

Risks associated with the use of radioactive materials, requiring safety measures such as warning signs and access restrictions.

Laboratory-Acquired Infections

Infections acquired through laboratory activities involving infectious agents.

Standard Precautions

Combines features of Universal Precautions and Body Substance Isolation Guidelines to prevent exposure to infectious agents.

Chain of Infection

The process that describes how infections are transmitted from one host to another.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; sets safety and health standards for workers in the US.

CDC

Center for Disease Control and Prevention; a federal agency that manages public health laws and reporting requirements.

CLSI

Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute; provides guidelines for laboratory safety and infection control.

The Joint Commission

An organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations, promoting safety and quality of care.