Moderate-risk TB Laboratories

Moderate-risk TB Laboratories can:  

1. Process specimens for inoculation on primary solid-culture media 
2. Perform direct line-probe assays and direct Drug Sensitivity Testing (DST)

Essential Minimum Biosafety Measures 

• Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs): Class I or II
• Ventilation: 6-12 ACH
• Personal Protective Equipment: Laboratory gowns and gloves 
• Laboratory design: Restricted traffic area
• Decontamination and waste disposal
• Procedures optimized for minimizing the generation of aerosols

Challenges of Moderate-risk TB Laboratories   

• Staff may work in areas with poor ventilation and/ or poor illumination. 
• BSCs may be poorly maintained and not certified or not be properly ducted.
• Careless manipulation of specimens may lead to aerosolization.
• Specimen containers may break or leak during centrifuging.
• Adequate warnings of biohazards may be lacking, and information on who should be contacted during an emergency may be inadequate.
• Cooling or heating systems may not work properly.

Resources 

• GLI LC Training Module on Biosafety, slide no. 34.

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