Microorganisms

The handling and storage of microorganism cultures (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites) and/or of materials containing them normally take place in contained areas known as microbiological laboratories. The biosafety conditions (facility design, equipment, techniques and procedures) required for a particular activity with biological agents are determined by the result of the risk assessment. This assessment must be made by an expert on microorganisms, the procedures used and other available means of containment.

The minimum legal requirements for the different levels of containment for laboratory activities are set out in annex II  of Spanish Royal Decree 178/2004 and annex IV of Spanish Royal Decree 664/97. Further specifications are to be found in the technical guidelines (appendix 12 ) of Spanish Royal Decree 664/97 and BMBL6 (section VIII and appendix D). Specific measures may need to be adopted when working with zoopathogens or phytopathogens.

Videos

• Human virology (video MediLabSecure)
• Animal virology (video MediLabSecure)