Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Containment of Biohazards”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1983

Evaluation of a cubicle containment system in preventing gaseous and particulate airborne cross-contamination.

The effectiveness of a cubicle containment system in preventing gaseous and particulate cross-contamination in animal facilities was evaluated using several techniques. Using a nitrous oxide dilution technique, no airborne cross-contamination was found between cubicles as long as all cubicle doors were kept closed. If the doors to the cubicle in which the gas was released were partially or completely opened, low concentrations of nitrous oxide could be detected in adjacent cubicles. These concentrations increased when the air exchange rates in the cubicle were decreased. Similar results were obtained when particulate transfer was measured using aerosolized Staphlococcus epidermidis and a slit to agar sampling technique. Air flows and point air velocities within the cubicle and the animal room were also studied. A trial of Sendai virus transmission between cubicles revealed no intercubicle transmission after 3 weeks of exposure. Overall, the cubicle containment system appeared to be an effective means of achieving limited biohazard containment, applicable to many research housing needs.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Needle safety in an endoscopy unit.

Personnel in GI Endoscopy units are at higher risk than health care workers in general for exposure to Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards require personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, masks, water-impervious gowns, shoe covers, sharps containers, and biohazardous waste containers to be readily available. Special hazards in endoscopy make staff compliance both essential and challenging. Contaminated needle sticks are a common occupational injury in this setting, and one GI unit has developed several safeguards to increase staff's protection. These safeguards include inserting all intravenous lines in the safest, most accessible site: the right forearm; hanging IV fluids on all patients whose procedures are done in the radiology suite; and employing the needle recapping system that is cost-effective and easy to use in the endoscopy setting.

Endoscopy↗
PubMed1986

Methodological considerations for implementation of lymphocyte subset analysis in a clinical reference laboratory.

As the diagnostic utility of lymphocyte subset analysis has been recognized in the clinical research laboratory, a wide variety of reagents and cell preparation, staining and analysis methods have also been described. Methods that are perfectly suitable for analysis of smaller sample numbers in the biological or clinical research setting are not always appropriate and/or applicable in the setting of a high volume clinical reference laboratory. We describe here some of the specific considerations involved in choosing a method for flow cytometric analysis which minimizes sample preparation and data analysis time while maximizing sample stability, viability, and reproducibility. Monoclonal T- and B-cell reagents from three manufacturers were found to give equivalent results for a reference population of healthy individuals. This was true whether direct or indirect immunofluorescence staining was used and whether cells were prepared by Ficoll-Hypaque fractionation (FH) or by lysis of whole blood. When B cells were enumerated using a polyclonal anti-immunoglobulin reagent, less cytophilic immunoglobulin staining was present after lysis than after FH preparation. However, both preparation methods required additional incubation at 37 degrees C to obtain results concordant with monoclonal B-cell reagents. Standard reagents were chosen on the basis of maximum positive/negative separation and the availability of appropriate negative controls. The effects of collection medium and storage conditions on sample stability and reproducibility of subset analysis were also assessed. Specimens collected in heparin and stored at room temperature in buffered medium gave reproducible results for 3 days after specimen collection, using either FH or lysis as the preparation method. General strategies for instrument optimization, quality control, and biohazard containment are also discussed.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2001

Novel rapid method for visualization of extent and location of aerosol contamination during high-speed sorting of potentially biohazardous samples.

BACKGROUND: Containment of potentially biohazardous aerosols that result from high-speed sorting of human cells has been an increasingly important problem in analytical cytometry. The current method for assessing the efficiency of aerosol containment involves detection of aerosols containing sorted T4 bacteriophage on lawns of T4-susceptible Escherichia coli on plates that are placed in and around the sort area. Although this method is sensitive, it is time consuming and involves maintenance and handling of bacteria and sorting of bacteriophage that may themselves serve as sources of contamination for sorted viable human cells. METHODS: Glo Germ (5-microm melamine copolymer resin beads), which are fluorescent under black light illumination, were sorted on a Beckman-Coulter Elite ESP sorter in order to visualize deposition of aerosols under normal and mock failure modes. RESULTS: Glo Germ was successfully used under both normal sorting conditions, as well as mock failure mode, to visualize aerosol formation. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a method to examine aerosol containment using modified Glo Germ, a product used for teaching aseptic technique in hospitals, industry, restaurants, and schools. Use of this technique represents a rapid, inexpensive, qualitative analysis of the extent and location of aerosol contamination from cell sorters.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2003

Gene expression in the tuberculous granuloma: analysis by laser capture microdissection and real-time PCR.

We have assessed the kinetics of host gene expression in granulomas of mice infected with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis, using an approach that incorporates the laser capture microdissection (LCM) and real-time PCR technology in conjunction with a newly derived mathematical equation. The results have provided evidence indicating that conventional use of whole infected lungs to study granuloma-specific gene expression can yield data that may not genuinely reflect intralesional events. Significantly, the expression of nine host genes known to regulate the inflammatory response to M. tuberculosis, as determined by real-time PCR analysis of microdissected granuloma-derived cDNAs, was downregulated (up to 27-fold) at around the time when the rapid growth phase of the bacilli in the lungs of infected mice ends. This downregulation was masked when whole infected lungs were used for the studies. The data suggest that the host immune system can adjust and respond to, or can be modulated by specific physiological states of the tubercle bacillus in vivo. The LCM/real-time PCR-based system described in this study can be applied to safely and accurately evaluate gene expression in any lesions that can be microscopically visualized, including those contained in biohazardous tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Environmental Release of Genetically Intervened Microorganisms: Towards a New Narrative.

The deliberate release of genetically engineered microorganisms for environmental applications has remained largely blocked since the early days of recombinant DNA technology, when limited ecological knowledge, lack of success stories and public apprehension shaped a culture of caution and restrictive regulation. Despite profound advances in microbial ecology, synthetic biology and genetic design, current frameworks still rely on outdated assumptions and legacy regulations that equate engineered microbes with inherent danger and demand unrealistic forms of absolute containment. This review examines how laboratory-trained microorganisms exist on a continuum with naturally evolved life, and that their risks are neither categorically different nor greater. Rather than pursuing unachievable containment, governance should shift towards traceability, stewardship and long-term monitoring through genomic barcodes, digital twins and transparent oversight. The vision moves from domination and control to care and partnership recognizing engineered microbes as live amendments capable of restoring degraded ecosystems. Achieving this transformation requires new terminology, phased field-trial frameworks, improved scaling methods, and the integration of epistemological perspectives that emphasize reciprocity and coexistence with nature. Reframing biotechnology in this way could finally unlock the capacity of engineered microorganisms to contribute responsibly and effectively to planetary repair in an era of escalating environmental crises.

Microorganisms, Genetically-Modified↗
PubMed1993

Understanding how to label biohazards.

Every employee needs to be warned of the potential danger in handling biohazards. Without labels and color-coded bags and containers, our early warning system is defeated. We can significantly reduce the dangers to employees by using this warning system. Additionally, we should be aware of the appropriateness of bags, containers, storage units and other protective covers to ensure they fully protect employees from exposure to the contents, as well as meeting OSHA criteria.

Color↗
PubMed1995

Assessment of aerosol containment on the ELITE flow cytometer.

Biohazardous aerosols generated during cell sorting have been of increased concern recently because of interest in sorting specimens containing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Current flow cytometers have features designed to contain such aerosols within the sorting chamber, but the efficacy of these features has not been established. Therefore, we tested aerosol containment by two ELITE flow cytometers (Coulter Cytometry, Inc., Hialeah, FL) during sorting of specimens containing high titers of bacteriophage. Agar plates confluent with susceptible Escherichia coli were used to detect infectious units released from the sorting chamber. Under recommended operating conditions very few infectious units were released from the sorting chambers. Release increased when the center stream was not optimally collected in a vacuum-exhausted tube or the chamber door was not completely closed. Failure of the negative pressure and high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filtration features had less of an effect. The data indicate that these standard safety features provide a rational expectation of safety for the flow cytometry operator.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2003

[Safety surveillance and management of specimen associated with SARS in clinical laboratory].

OBJECTIVE: To avoid the staff's infection and environmental contamination, we establish the rules suited for severe infectious disease in our laboratory. METHODS: (1) Enhance the staff's notion of safety, institute a rule for biological safety and make sure the responsibility of safety for everybody. (2) Set up a special laboratory or area for detection of specimens associated with SARS, appoint the staff specially assigned for the task. The approach to environmental cleaning and disinfection in the laboratory is according to the guidance. (3) Laboratory staff should take precaution when entering and leaving laboratory according to the guidance. (4) Collection, transportation, pre-disposal and storage of specimen from patients with SARS for testing should be done in leak-resistant environment. These specimen should be performed in biological safety cabinet. All Clinical waste must be placed in an appropriate leak-resistant biohazard bag or container, labeled and disposed of safely. RESULTS: Since the outbreak of SARS, no staff was infected with SARS in our clinical laboratory. CONCLUSION: Our precaution is feasible and effective. A series of rules ensure the safety for the laboratory staffs and environment.

Adult↗