Typically, most routine specimens in a clinical laboratory can safely be handled in a BSL-2 lab following standard precautions with standard BSL-2 PPE. However, there may be some specimens and associated work that may require additional precautions or safety practices.
Examples of common BSL-2 level specimens and work in clinical labs:
- Stool culture and testing for enteric pathogens like Salmonella
- Setup and interpret urine cultures
- Blood chemistry testing
- Antibiotic sensitivity testing
- Streptococcus testing
Examples of less common higher-risk specimens and work in clinical labs that may require additional PPE or other safety considerations:
- Suspected Neisseria meningitidis testing
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture work
- Respiratory and wound aspirate specimens for culture
- Subculture-positive blood cultures
- Known aerosol-generating procedures
