Update on Biosafety and Emerging Infections for the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Biosafety risks are prevalent in all areas of the clinical laboratories. Clinical laboratorians have become accustomed to accepting these risks. When an emerging pathogen appears, the concerns become elevated. Since the appearance of Ebola virus in the United States in 2014, biosafety practices have made progress. A recent Association of Public Health Laboratories survey shows that clinical laboratories are unprepared for current and emerging biosafety challenges. This article focuses on the biosafety program that clinical laboratory leaders should build to meet the needs of clinical laboratories; biosafety challenges of automated laboratory systems, facilities, personnel, and practices; and the relationship with occupational health.