Using ATP driven bioluminescence assay to monitor microbial safety in a contemporary human cadaver lab

We wanted to assess the microbial activity in a human dissection laboratory, midway into a clinical anatomy course as cost effective and efficient as possible. Compliance of safety regulations is policed by institutions at higher standards than ever before. Fear of acquiring an unknown infection is one of the top concerns of students, which provokes an antilab anxiety. Human cadavers are not routinely tested for various bacteria and viruses prior to embalming. Human anatomy dissecting labs which house embalmed cadavers are typically cleaned following the removal of dissected cadavers. There is no evidence of investigators assessing bacterial and fungal activity using ATP driven bioluminescence assays. Midway into a clinical anatomy course, we swabbed various sites within a human cadaver dissection lab, including entrance and exiting door handles, water taps, cadaver tables, ‘clean’ counter‐tops, imaging material, x‐ray box switches, and the surface of the cadavers. Using the ATP driven bioluminescence assays, the results demonstrated very low activity at cadaver tables, washing up areas, and exiting door handles. There was low activity on counter tops and x‐ray boxes. There was medium activity on the entrance door handles. These findings suggest an inexpensive and accurate method to monitor safety compliance and microbial activity. Also, students can feel confident and safe in the environment they work in.