Why BSL3 lab for Nipah confirmation is unnecessary

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Health

More about the news:

Truenat test for Nipah virus faced delayed approval in Kerala.
Despite an emergency use authorization (EUA) granted in 2021, permission was only granted after strong demands from Kerala.
Truenat was developed for pandemic preparedness.
The disagreement between ICMR and WHO guidelines regarding the need for BSL-3 facilities for virus confirmation led to delayed detection due to the insistence on BSL-3 facilities.
Inactivated samples make BSL-3 facilities redundant, allowing BSL-2 labs to speed up testing.
ICMR argues for BSL-3 for safety reasons, emphasizing containment protocols.

What is Biosafety Level:

BSL is used to identify the protective measures needed in a laboratory setting to protect workers, the environment, and the public.
Activities and projects conducted in biological laboratories are categorized by biosafety level.
The four biosafety levels are BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4, with BSL-4 being the highest level of containment.

What are different Biosafety Levels:

Biosafety Level 1: It is applied to the laboratories where the work is carried out with very low-risk microbes that do not cause any infection in the adults. One such non-infectious strain is E.coli.
Biosafety Level 2: It is applied to the laboratories where work is carried out with moderately pathogenic organisms. Agents worked in biosafety level 2 include HIV, encephalitis virus.
Biosafety Level 3: The pathogens that can cause serious health hazards are worked under biosafety level 3.
Biosafety Level 4: The biosafety level 4 laboratory works with the microbes Ebola and Marburg virus that are usually fatal and have no treatment or vaccines.

What are the common requirements in a BSL-3 laboratory:

Proper personal protective equipment is mandatory, potentially including respirators.
Workers typically need solid-front wraparound gowns, scrub suits, or coveralls.
Microbial work must be conducted within a suitable Biological Safety Cabinet .
Facilities should have hands-free sinks and eyewash stations near exits.
The lab should maintain directional airflow, drawing air from clean to potentially contaminated areas.
Entrance should be through self-closing locking doors separate from building corridors.
Access to the BSL-3 laboratory is continuously restricted and monitored.