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Biosafety during a pandemic: shared resource laboratories rise to the challenge
Author(s) -
Aspland Avrill M.,
Douagi Iyadh,
Filby Andrew,
Jellison Evan R.,
Martinez Lola,
Shinko Diana,
Smith Adrian L.,
Tang Vera A.,
Thornton Sherry
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
cytometry part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.316
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1552-4930
pISSN - 1552-4922
DOI - 10.1002/cyto.a.24280
Subject(s) - biosafety , pandemic , covid-19 , resource (disambiguation) , computer science , data science , virology , medicine , biology , outbreak , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , computer network , disease
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.