Why BSL3 lab for Nipah confirmation is unnecessary
- October 1, 2023
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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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.