Non-infectious Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

Laboratory specimens that are unlikely to cause disease and do not meet the criteria for category A or B substances are not subject to Division 6.2 regulations. Specimens for which the hazardous materials regulation (HMR) does not apply include human or animal samples (including, but not limited to, secreta, excreta, blood and its components, tissue and tissue fluids, and body parts) being transported for routine testing not related to the diagnosis of an infectious disease. This includes specimens that are being sent for: drug or alcohol testing cholesterol testing blood glucose level testing prostate specific antibody (PSA) testing testing to monitor kidney or liver function pregnancy testing tests for diagnosis of non-infectious diseases such as cancer biopsies

The natural history of TB infection is usually followed by an immune response and latency after exposure. In about 5-10% of cases, the latent period progresses to an active infection.The organism that causes TB infection is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This organism is pictured in the photograph to the right as observed when stained with acridine orange stain. Infection occurs when a susceptible person inhales droplet nuclei containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the organism reaches the alveoli of the lungs.About 2-12 weeks after infection, the immune system limits multiplication of additional bacteria and the immunological test becomes positive.Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the stage when the viable organism remains in the body, and the patient has no symptoms and is non-infectious.Most infected persons do not experience clinical illness and are noninfectious. About 5-10% of persons infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis who are not treated will develop TB during their lifetime. The risk for progression is highest during the first several years after infection.TB infects the lungs most often; however, it can infect almost any organ in the body, including bones and joints.