Pathogenic organisms are classified according to their associated risk group and designated as Risk Group 1, 2, 3, or 4, with Risk Group 4 being the highest risk. Knowing the risk group(s) of the organism(s) that may be present is essential to properly evaluate the exposure risks (e.g., if the organism is transmissible by the inhalation route, etc.).
ABSA International, the American Biological Safety Association, provides an accessible
and searchable database of pathogenic organisms that a laboratory can consult when conducting laboratory and task-specific risk assessments for the organisms they may handle.
