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Thomas Folks, Ph.D.
Chief, HIV and Retrovirology Branch
Division of AIDS, STD, and Laboratory Research
National Center for Infectious Diseases

Bradford Kay, Dr.P.H.
Senior Laboratory Advisor
Division of Bacteriology and Mycotic Diseases
National Center for Infectious Diseases

Peter Jahrling, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Disease Assessment Division
USAMRIID
Frederick, Maryland

Thomas Kost, Ph.D.
Section Head
Molecular Sciences Department
Glaxo Wellcome, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

These recommendations are advisory. They are intended to provide a voluntary guide or code of practice as well as goals for upgrading operations. They also are offered as a guide and reference in the construction of new laboratory facilities and in the renovation of existing facilities.

However, the application of these recommendations to a particular laboratory operation should be based on a risk assessment of the special agents and activities, rather than used as a universal and generic code applicable to all situations.

Since the publication of the third edition of Biosafety in Microbiological and Microbiological Laboratories, a number of events have occurred that influenced some of the changes made in this fourth edition.

• In response to global concern about emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the section on Risk Assessment has been enlarged to provide the laboratorian with additional information to make such determinations easier.

• A considerable increase in the design and construction of biomedical and microbiological laboratories has occurred, particularly at Biosafety Levels 3 and 4. In response, clarification of and additions to the "Facilities" sections have been incorporated, particularly in Sections III and IV, as an expansion of our performance-based approach to achieving appropriate containment.

• Interest in prior diseases increased significantly with the identification of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in England. In response, an appendix has been added to address the varied Biosafety concerns associated with working with these agents.

• Several laboratory-associated infections have occurred involving both known and previously unknown agents. In response, various Agent Summary Statements have been modified or added to this edition.

• Concern has increased regarding the national and international transfer of infectious microorganisms. Each Agent Summary Statement now contains information regarding the requirements to obtain appropriate permits before transferring the agents from one laboratory to another.

• Finally, growing concerns about bioterrorism have caused considerable interest in Biosafety matters in recent years. In response, an additional appendix is designed to help focus attention on the increased security needs of our microbiological laboratories.

We also acknowledge the contributions of many in the science community who have provided ideas for improving this publication. In particular, we are indebted to the Technical Review Committee of the American Biological Safety Association for its thoughtful comments and suggestions.