91Ô­´´

Physical Containment

Experiments with infectious agents and other potentially hazardous substances are expected to be performed under containment conditions which minimize the possibility of dissemination both within and outside the laboratory area. Final decisions on required containment will be by the IBC and the PI. Typical containment requirements for various types of experiments. Refer to the or for more detailed descriptions.

Infectious Organisms

  1. Except for situations where the nature of the work with a particular agent may dictate a higher level of containment than that generally deemed acceptable, experiments involving infectious organisms must be performed under the following containment conditions:
    1. RG 1 agents require BSL 1 physical containment and practices. RG 2 agents require BSL 2 physical containment and practices.
  2. Detailed documentation of significant reduction in pathogenicity must accompany all written requests made to the IBC to lower the specified physical containment and practices for "attenuated" etiologic agents.

Oncogenic Viruses

All studies with viruses capable of inducing tumors in animals or transformation of cells in culture will be performed according to current safety standards. Refer to the appropriate NIH and CDC sources to determine the risk group for each specific agent and the biosafety level recommended.

Plant and Animal Pathogens

Refer to the appropriate NIH and CDC sources to determine the risk group for each specific agent and the biosafety level recommended. Contact the Biosafety Officer if a plant or animals pathogens cannot be found in the NIH and CDC references.

Recombinant DNA Studies

  1. Experiments involving recombinant DNA molecules must be conducted in accordance with the NIH Guide and any recommendations that may be issued on a case-by-case basis by the NIH Office of Recombinant DNA Activities. This is required of all studies regardless of the source of funds used to support the work.
  2. Questions concerning recombinant experiments that require prior NIH approval should be directed to the Biosafety Officer at EHS for review with the NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities. While the BSO will provide assistance, it is ultimately the responsibility of the investigator concerned to obtain an official appraisal from the NIH Office of Recombinant DNA Activities.
  3. The recombinant DNA guidelines exempt certain experiments from the procedures of the NIH Guide. However, these experiments must be submitted to the OU IBC so that the IBC can verify that the proposed research is exempt.

In-Vitro Cell Cultures or Tissues

The following minimal containment conditions will be required for experimental cell culture or tissue work not involving purposeful infection with human or animal pathogens:

  1. Primary cell cultures or tissues of nonmammalian origin- BSL 1 physical containment and practices may be used for primary cell cultures of non-mammalian origin. However, BSL 2 conditions must be used for primary cell cultures of malignant avian tissue.
  2. Established cell cultures or tissues derived from normal or malignant mammalian origin (not including cells of primate origin) – BSL 1 containment conditions may be used for established cell cultures derived from normal or malignant mammalian tissue provided it has been clearly demonstrated that they do not carry or release endogenous microbial agents; otherwise, at least BSL 2 containment conditions are required.
  3. Primary cell cultures or tissues of rodent origin - BSL 2 containment conditions may be used for primary cell cultures of rodent origin if the animals are from breeding colonies known to be free of infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (Class 3 agent). Work with cell cultures from a breeding colony known to be infected with LCMV or from a breeding colony of unknown status must be approved by the IBC prior to bringing material on campus, as some work with LCMV requires BSL 3 conditions which are not available at 91Ô­´´.
  4. All cell lines or tissues of primate origin – A minimum of BSL 2 containment conditions are required for all cell lines of primate origin.

Human Blood and Body Fluids

BSL 2 procedures must be used for all human blood, tissues or body fluids. Compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is also required. See the 91Ô­´´ Bloodborne Pathogen Program for details.