A semi-quantitative risk assessment of pathogenic microorganism laboratories in Beijing's CDCs based on a...

The study aimed to establish a three-dimensional risk matrix model as a simplified, practical semi-quantitative risk assessment tool for primary-level pathogenic microorganism laboratories, and to verify the model using actual laboratory activity data from district Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDCs) in Beijing. Three core dimensions of laboratory biosafety risk-pathogen hazard (H), laboratory activity type (A), and annual operation frequency (F) mapped to the likelihood of event occurrence (L[F])-were quantitatively defined. A novel risk calculation formula, R = H × A × L[F], and a hierarchical risk matrix were established. Based on the calculated R values, definitive risk levels and targeted control measures were formulated. Laboratory activity data from 16 district CDCs in Beijing in 2024 were collected and analyzed to validate the model. The 16 CDCs conducted 130 tests for pathogenic microorganisms in 2024, of which 88 % involved Category III pathogens. Laboratory utilization intensity varied significantly across CDCs, with only two reporting a daily workload of ≥ 5 tests per Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) room. One laboratory activity was determined to pose an unacceptable level of risk. The proportion of acceptable risks reached 100 % for inactivated and non-infectious materials, 89 %-100 % for uncultured infectious materials, and 52 %-100 % for viable pathogen cultures. A total of 62 laboratory activities were classified as hazard zones, primarily involving Category II pathogens (47 %) and viable pathogen cultures (61 %). Our findings demonstrate that the three-dimensional risk matrix model establishes a standardized semi-quantitative risk assessment framework for primary-level laboratories handling pathogenic microorganisms. It further provides a robust quantitative basis to inform evidence-based risk management and resource allocation. Notably, procedures involving viable pathogen cultures emerge as critical control points, warranting prioritized intervention in risk prevention and mitigation strategies.