H1N1 Influenza Virus Biosafety Guidelines for Laboratory Workers

May 4, 2009 10:56 AM ET

This guidance is for laboratory workers who may be processing or performing diagnostic testing on clinical specimens from patients with suspected H1N1 influenza virus infection, or performing viral isolation.  This guidance is not for clinics or clinicians performing rapid influenza antigen tests. See guidance on infection control in clinical settings, including those obtaining specimens and performing rapid tests.

Diagnostic laboratory work on clinical samples from patients who are suspected cases of H1N1 influenza virus infection should be conducted in a BSL2 laboratory. All sample manipulations should be done inside a biosafety cabinet (BSC).

Viral isolation on clinical specimens from patients who are suspected cases of H1N1 influenzavirus infection should be performed in a BSL2 laboratory with BSL3 practices (enhanced BSL2 conditions).

Additional precautions include:

• Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (based on site specific risk assessment )
• Respiratory protection – fit-tested N95 respirator or higher level of protection. 
• Shoe covers
• Closed-front gown
• Double gloves
• Eye protection (goggles or face shields)

Waste

• All waste disposal procedures should be followed as outlined in your facility standard laboratory operating procedures.

Appropriate disinfectants

• 70% Ethanol
• 5% Lysol
• 10% Bleach

All personnel should self monitor for fever and any symptoms.  Symptoms of H1N1 influenza infection include cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, runny nose, and muscle aches.  Any illness should be reported to your supervisor immediately. 

For personnel who had unprotected exposure or a known breach in personal protective equipment to clinical material or live virus from a confirmed case of H1N1 influenza , antiviral chemoprophylaxis with zanamivir or oseltamivir for 10 days after exposure can be considered.

For additional information, please see: antiviral treatment and chemoprophylaxis guidance.

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition Section IV Laboratory Biosafety Level Criteria