Biosafety considerations

So far, not a single case of a laboratory-associated SARS-CoV infection has been reported. Nevertheless, the WHO has issued biosafety guidelines for the handling of clinical specimens associated with SARS cases and materials derived from laboratory investigations of SARS (on April 25, 2003; see http://www.who.int/csr/sars/biosafety2003_04_25/en/). Suitable measures must be taken to prevent the potential spread by droplets, air, and/or contaminated surfaces and objects, with particular emphasis on avoiding the unguarded production of aerosols.

For routine diagnostic testing of serum and blood samples, manipulations involving known inactivated (lysed, fixed or otherwise treated) virus particles and/or incomplete, non-infectious portions of the viral genome, routine examination of mycotic and bacterial cultures, and final packaging of specimens (already in a sealed, decontaminated primary container) for transport to diagnostic laboratories for additional testing, BSL-2 facilities with appropriate BSL-2 work practices are deemed sufficient. Any procedure that may generate aerosols should be performed in a biological safety cabinet, and laboratory