BIOSAFETY GUIDELINES FOR SORTING OF UNFIXED CELLS

The International Society of Analytical Cytology (ISAC) Biohazard Work ing Group presents guidelines for sorting of unfixed cells, including known biohazardous samples, using jet-in-air, deflected droplet cell s orters. There is a risk that personnel operating these instruments cou ld become exposed to droplets and aerosols containing biological agent s present in the samples. The following guidelines can aid in the prev ention of exposures of laboratory personnel to pathogens contained in the sort samples. The document provides biosafety recommendations for sample handling, operator training and protection, laboratory facility design, and instrument setup and maintenance. In addition, it describ es in detail methods for assessment of instrument aerosol containment. Recommendations provided here may also help laboratories to obtain in stitutional and/or regulatory agency approval for sorting of unfixed a nd known biohazardous samples. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.