Course Summary:

Human body fluids and tissue potentially contain blood borne viruses and other agents. Work with blood samples or tissue from individuals therefore carries a risk of infection if the material is not handled with care.

The course is unique in that it explicitly links biodiversity studies with collection management. The curriculum covers aspects of global biodiversity including taxonomy, systematics and ecology, and it develops skills in management and project organisation. The key research infrastructure of the course is centred on learning about collections; the methods and administrative frameworks governing the acquisition, study and maintenance of biological and geological specimens.

Throughout the course, delegates develop a detailed knowledge on biodiversity and palaeontology, have the opportunity to specialise on certain taxonomical groups and learn how to obtain and reliably document data on biodiversity. A secondary focus of the course is on developing project management skills, promoting international
cooperation and organizing research teams.

Course Objectives:

• This guideline contains information on the safe handling of human clinical specimens including blood and urine with an aim to prevent possible spread of infectious disease to laboratory users and the general community when conducting different laboratory operations.
• Every laboratory user has the responsibility to fully understand the safety guidelines when handling specimens and must ensure that all safety procedures are strictly followed for the entire operation.
• The laboratory supervisor has the responsibility to make sure that all laboratory personnel must complete all necessary training before commencement of any laboratory activity.
• Procedures have also been published to reduce contamination of cell cultures with microorganisms.

Course Outline

1. Regulation
2. Definitions
3. Exposure Determination
4. Universal Precaution
5. Epidemiology
6. Facilities and Practices
7. Engineering Controls
8. Work Practice Controls
9. Personal Protective Equipment
10. Housekeeping
11. Waste Disposal
12. HIV and HBV Research Laboratories
13. Hepatitis B Vaccination
14. Post-Exposure Procedures
15. Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up