Agent Biosafety Level (BSL) Requirements and Laboratory Exposure Risk

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Preliminary Identification of the Primary Select Agents of Bioterrorism. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Preliminary Identification of the Primary Select Agents of Bioterrorism (online CE course)
Agent Biosafety Level (BSL) Requirements and Laboratory Exposure Risk

These agents are dangerous, highly virulent organisms that should NEVER be manipulated on an open bench! Laboratory infections can occur and the use of a class II, or higher, biological safety cabinets (BSC) is critical when aerosols are likely.

The importance of following facility specific safety protocols and standard microbiology practices at ALL times cannot be understated.

Agent

Biosafety Level

Laboratory Exposure Risk

B. anthracis

BSL-2

Low

Y. pestis

BSL-2

Medium

F. tularensis

BSL-2/3

High

Brucella species

BSL-2/3

High

Burkholderia species

BSL-2/3

High