What is BSL-1?

What is BSL-1?

• A. The highest biosafety level for dangerous pathogens
• B. The lowest biosafety level for non-disease causing agents
• C. A biosafety level for clinical research
• D. A term for general laboratory safety practices

Answer: (B)

BSL-1, or Biosafety Level 1, refers to the lowest biosafety level in the classification of labs working with biological agents. This level is designed for research involving biological agents that are not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adults. Examples of materials typically handled at BSL-1 include non-pathogenic strains of bacteria or other organisms that pose minimal risk to laboratory personnel and the environment. In a BSL-1 laboratory, standard microbiological practices are applied, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and practicing good laboratory hygiene, but the requirements are less stringent than those for higher biosafety levels. This indicates that the focus is on providing a safe working environment while handling agents that are generally considered harmless. The other options detail higher biosafety levels or general practices not specific to BSL-1, hence they do not accurately describe the definition and characteristics associated with BSL-1.

BSL-1, or Biosafety Level 1, refers to the lowest biosafety level in the classification of labs working with biological agents. This level is designed for research involving biological agents that are not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adults. Examples of materials typically handled at BSL-1 include non-pathogenic strains of bacteria or other organisms that pose minimal risk to laboratory personnel and the environment.

In a BSL-1 laboratory, standard microbiological practices are applied, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and practicing good laboratory hygiene, but the requirements are less stringent than those for higher biosafety levels. This indicates that the focus is on providing a safe working environment while handling agents that are generally considered harmless.

The other options detail higher biosafety levels or general practices not specific to BSL-1, hence they do not accurately describe the definition and characteristics associated with BSL-1.