Laboratorians at Risk: The Threat of Exposure to Infectious Agents and the Role of the Biosafety Program

Daily, laboratory workers are exposed to microorganisms that cause infections. Today, the primary risks are associated with exposure to viruses present in blood and body fluids (eg, hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency virus) and the handling of infectious agents amplified in culture (eg, Mycobacterium tuberculosis ). These risks to employees have prompted regulatory agencies to draft mandatory, comprehensive biosafety programs for laboratories. The strategies for the prevention and management of laboratory-associated infections include assessing each laboratory task, containing infectious agents by physically separating them from the laboratory worker, educating employees, and providing access to an employee health program. Adherence to these biosafety guidelines will reduce but not totally eliminate the risk of occupational exposure to infectious agents in the workplace. Employees must be aware of these risks and use appropriate methods to reduce exposure to themselves and their coworkers.