Do I need approval to work with an infectious agent?
This material is presented for information only. These internal programs are yet to be launched. Further details will be provided closer to the launch date.
Follow the steps below to determine what sort of approval you need for your dealing with an infectious agent.
- Determine which Risk Group the agent belongs to by referring to Australian New Zealand Standards, Safety in Laboratories, Part 3: Microbiological aspects and containment facilities (AS/NZS 2243.3).
- If the agent is not listed in AS/NZS 2243.3, refer to the classification of infectious organisms to help you determine the Risk Group or contact us.
- Once you have determined the Risk Group of the agent choose the appropriate flow chart from the list below. The flow charts include links to application and reporting forms as well as information about physical containment requirements which may apply.
Work involving blood, blood products or tissues
Samples that might reasonably be expected to contain infectious agents (e.g. soil, blood, blood products or tissues) should be treated as Risk Group 2 agents unless they have been treated in such a way as to render any infectious agents present in the sample incapable of causing infection.
Samples that might reasonably be expected to contain infectious agents (e.g. soil, blood, blood products or tissues) should be treated as Risk Group 2 agents unless they have been treated in such a way as to render any infectious agents present in the sample incapable of causing infection.