Biosafety during a pandemic: shared resource laboratories rise to the challenge

Abstract

Biosafety has always been an important aspect of daily work in any research institution, particularly for cytometry Shared Resources Laboratories (SRLs). SRLs are common-use spaces that facilitate the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and ideas. This sharing inescapably involves contact and interaction of all those within this working environment on a daily basis. The current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has prompted the re-evaluation of many policies governing the operations of SRLs. Here we identify and review the unique challenges SRLs face in maintaining biosafety standards, highlighting the potential risks associated with not only cytometry instrumentation and samples, but also the people working with them. We propose possible solutions to safety issues raised by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide tools for facilities to adapt to evolving guidelines and future challenges.

A novel room concept for shared resource laboratories

“…Large rooms (>>20 m 2 ) are more flexible because they can accommodate several instruments, and as a result have the additional feature that SRL users can communicate with each other while working. However, based on the experience made during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic it is important to note that, unlike large rooms, single instrument rooms allow users to work according to social distancing policies without additional structural or individual effort [10,11]. Further important considerations include how to optimize for common workflows, providing space for system testing, teaching, instrument demonstrations, possibility for wet lab work, furniture, and storage capacity.…”

Considerations for user consultation in a flow cytometry shared resource laboratory

“…Without this case number, appointments requiring IBC recommendations are tabled without exceptions. For risk assessments that require BSL‐3 practices, usually for known aerosol pathogens [5, 6], additional questions may need to be asked. The institutional biosafety officer and/or the person responsible for the high containment laboratory may need to be involved and trainings verified.…”

“…Guidance with sample preparation ensures that a high-quality single-cell suspension is obtained for labeling. The type of sample the user intends to analyze dictates the biosafety level (BSL) and institutional biosafety approval required [5,6]. The three main sample types that we categorize are cell culture, liquid tissue, and solid tissue.…”

“…For risk assessments that require BSL-3 practices, usually for known aerosol pathogens [5,6], additional questions may need to be asked.…”

Establishing a biosafety plan for a flow cytometry shared resource laboratory

“…It is a useful starting point for development of SRL biosafety best practices [1]. Having a biosafety plan in place will aid in quickly adapting to new biosafety risks, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, that required SRLs to adjust to the unusual situation of their users becoming a significant biohazard risk to the SRL personnel [2]. For consistency within this manuscript, we refer to this document as the biosafety “plan”; however, several other comparable terms, such as biosafety “protocol” or “procedure,” are also widely used when describing biosafety within an SRL or laboratory.…”