Learn about standard procedures in NB2 laboratories

Do you know what NB2 laboratories are? What are they for? These spaces follow important biosafety requirements in order to avoid health risks. 

Therefore, the standard procedures used in these laboratories differ from other types, such as biosecurity level 1, 3 or 4. 

In this text, you will learn more about the biosafety level 2 (NB2) laboratory characteristics and what these specific procedures are for dealing with biological agents of moderate risk to people and the environment. 

What are NB2 labs?

Biosecurity, according to the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), is understood as a “safety condition achieved by a set of actions aimed at prevent, control, reduce or eliminate risks inherent to activities that may compromise human and animal health and the environment”. 

Thus, the NB2 clinical analysis laboratory is the one that, in terms of biosafety, follows the requirements of the Level 2. What does that mean? 

O Biosafety Level 2 (NB2) is similar to Level 1, which deals with risk class 1 agents. 

However, the NB2 laboratory, as it is suitable for dealing with risk class 2 agents, needs to include primary and secondary barriers. 

In practice, this means that these spaces need a sink for washing hands and facilities for decontamination. In addition, it is necessary to wear a face shield and apron to use the laboratory.

What are NB2 labs for?

As previously stated, NB2 laboratories are intended for work involving moderate-risk biological agents. Risk class 2 includes microorganisms capable of causing infections. 

However, these diseases have efficient containment measures, with low risk of laboratory propagation, as is the case of the yellow fever virus and the schistosoma mansoni.

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• Biosecurity: everything you need to know about the topic.
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What are the standard procedures for NB2 laboratories?

According to information from Fiocruz, the specific standard procedures for NB2 laboratories are as follows: 

1. Only authorized persons may have access to the laboratory; 
2. The presence of children is prohibited; 
3. It is necessary to wash hands and forearms before and after all procedures; 
4. The space must be locked whenever it is not used, with strict control of access to keys; 
5. It is not allowed to eat in the laboratory, as well as smoke, handle contact lenses or make use of cosmetics; 
6. No food should be stored in the laboratory space; 
7. Pipetting must be performed by mechanical devices and never by mouth; 
8. In the lab, staff will need to wear appropriate clothing, which cannot be worn elsewhere; 
9. Personal protective equipment must be stored in specific locations; 
10.  Used shoes must not leave fingers and other parts exposed; 
11.  The use of needles should be restricted as much as possible and have handling standards; 
12.  The creation of sprays or aerosols should be avoided as much as possible; 
13.  When necessary, safety glasses and face shields should be used; 
14.  At the end of the work, or in cases of leakage of viable material, the surfaces must be decontaminated with products suitable for the disinfection of the handled agents; 
15.  The use of suitable gloves is required in all activities that may cause contact with infectious materials; 
16.  Before being properly discarded, cultures, colonies and other residues must be decontaminated; 
17.  In cases of procedures with high potential for the production of aerosols, biological safety cabinets must be used; 
18.  Persons with injuries, immunosuppressed or immunodeficient should not work in these laboratories; 
19.  The team must undergo periodic medical examinations;
20.  The space must have a first aid kit;  
21.  The team will need to be trained in safety and emergency measures; 
22.  The laboratory must also implement a program to control rodents and arthropods.

Choose a subject matter expert

After learning about the procedures in NB2 laboratories, the importance of an efficient biosafety implementation system becomes evident. 

In this regard, the Asmotec is an expert. The company operates in the manufacture and installation of clean rooms, with high investment in technology and training of professionals. 

Therefore, if you are looking for a complete, efficient and quality service for clinical analysis laboratories, learn more about the clean rooms, in addition to others products e services offered by Asmotec.