Document 0545
 DOCN  M9610545
 TI    Laboratory-associated infections and biosafety.
 DT    9601
 AU    Sewell DL; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs;
       Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA.
 SO    Clin Microbiol Rev. 1995 Jul;8(3):389-405. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/96009215
 AB    An estimated 500,000 laboratory workers in the United States are at risk
       of exposure to infectious agents that cause disease ranging from
       inapparent to life-threatening infections, but the precise risk to a
       given worker unknown. The emergence of human immunodeficiency virus and
       hantavirus, the continuing problem of hepatitis B virus, and the
       reemergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have renewed interest in
       biosafety for the employees of laboratories and health care facilities.
       This review examines the history, the causes, and the methods for
       prevention of laboratory-associated infections. The initial step in a
       biosafety program is the assessment of risk to the employee. Risk
       assessment guidelines include the pathogenicity of the infectious agent,
       the method of transmission, worker-related risk factors, the source and
       route of infection, and the design of the laboratory facility.
       Strategies for the prevention and management of laboratory-associated
       infections are based on the containment of the infectious agent by
       physical separation from the laboratory worker and the environment,
       employee education about the occupational risks, and availability of an
       employee health program. Adherence to the biosafety guidelines mandated
       or proposed by various governmental and accrediting agencies reduces the
       risk of an occupational exposure to infectious agents handled in the
       workplace.
 DE    Containment of Biohazards/*STANDARDS  History of Medicine, 20th Cent.
       Human  Laboratory Infection/HISTORY/*MICROBIOLOGY/TRANSMISSION  Risk
       Assessment  Safety Management  HISTORICAL ARTICLE  JOURNAL ARTICLE
       REVIEW  REVIEW, TUTORIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).