Biosafety and sorting infectious samples

While is true that we have no documented cases of individuals infected
through aerosol sorting we must be extremely careful in this interpretation.
First of all, technology has changed and we are increasingly doing more high
speed sorting. Clearly producing a lot more aerosols then previous sorters.
While these instruments do have "solutions" to control aerosols it is
imperative that methods are implemented to determine the effectiveness of
containment. Secondly, we must have the highest degree of concern when
sorting "unknown" infectious animal or human samples. Hence, sorting
infectious samples can not be taken lightly and laboratories involved in
such practices must take every effort to protect the operators from
potential infectious aerosols. These should include, mechanical barriers,
aerosol containment devices and personnel protection suits. 

SP

Stephen P. Perfetto, MS.,MT. (ASCP)Manager, Core Flow Cytometry FacilityVaccine
Research Center, NIHBuilding 4040 Convent Dr., Room 5507Bethesda, MD 20892-3015
email: sperfetto@nih.govPhone: (301) 594-8659