Biological Risk Assessment Research Articles

Pollution and Potential Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water Bodies in the Vicinity of Industrial Zones

This research was undertaken to determine the concentrations of heavy metal ions in the surface water and sediment in water bodies that receive wastewater from the Dinh Tram and Pho Noi A industrial zones. The pollution status of the heavy metal ions and their potential ecological risks were evaluated by using the potential ecological risk index (RI) and risk assessment code (RAC). The results showed that some metal ions, namely Fe3+, Ni2+, and Pb2+, exceeded the allowed standards of QCVN 08:2023/BTNMT. The sediments were polluted by Zn2+, As2+, Cr6+, and Fe3+ at concentrations 2.4, 3.7, 1.9, and 2.0 times higher, respectively, than the QCVN 43:2017/BTNMT. The potential ecological risk indices for the heavy metal ions were in order as: (As2+) = 7.94 > (Cd2+) = 3.68 > (Cr6+) = 3.39 > (Pb2+) = 2.73 > (Cu2+) = 2.74 > (Zn2+) = 2.4 (T6 channel) and (As2+) = 11.1 > (Cd2+) = 7.74 > (Cu2+) = 2.64 > (Cr6+) = 2.31 > (Pb2+) = 1.9 > (Zn2+) = 0.87 (Bun River). The risk assessment code (RAC) ranged from 0.17 to 39.42 (T6 channel) and from 0.03 to 38.96 (Bun River). The RAC-based risk assessment results showed that both the T6 channel and Bun River presented a medium risk for Cd2+, a low risk for Mn2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+, and no risk for the remaining metals, Cr6+, Pb2+, As2+, and Fe3+. These results were caused by the differences in environmental quality assessments between using separate parameters versus biological risk assessments.

Does intraspecific variation in Trissolcus japonicus affect its response to non-target hosts?

Host specificity is a key criterion for the implementation of any biological control program. In parasitoid wasps, host specificity is mediated by their response to chemical cues directly and indirectly associated with their hosts during foraging. Although intraspecific variation in foraging behaviour is documented, it is rarely integrated into risk assessment studies of potential biological control agents, as is the case for Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), an Asian egg parasitoid and biological control agent of the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). In the present study, we compared the behavioural response of T. japonicus females of an adventive line present in Switzerland and an Asian line (Beijing USDA), recently mass released in Italy, to cues of its target host H. halys and non-target host Pentatoma rufipes (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). We observed minimal differences in host acceptance, exploitation and suitability in no-choice tests. In contrast, the behavioural response to host contact kairomones left on leaf substrates significantly differed between the two lines. While both lines preferred chemical footprints of H. halys in comparison to P. rufipes, females of the Beijing USDA line responded more strongly to host kairomones. The observed intraspecific variation in behavioural traits highlights the relevance of considering genetically distinct parasitoid lines and their host foraging behaviour in biological risk assessment studies. However, the implications of intraspecific variation in parasitoid foraging behaviour for biological control of a pest and non-target effects in the field remain challenging to predict.

Development of Biological Risk Assessment Protocols for Evaluating the Risks of In-Water Cleaning of Hull-Fouling Organisms

Herein, we evaluate the scientific basis for managing hull fouling of ships entering Korean ports, diagnose biological risks that may occur when in-water cleaning (IWC) systems remove hull fouling, and present a protocol for evaluating these risks (the Korean Infection Modes and Effects Analysis; K-IMEA). Protocol development included the selection of core elements and scenario design for IWC and the evaluation of regrowth experiments. The K-IMEA index was designed by considering the inoculation pathway of attaching organisms in all processes to ships that enter a port for in-water cleaning. A number of risk indices were defined: R1—Introduction/Establishment of alien species before in-water cleaning; R2—Establishment of alien species escaped during in-water cleaning; R3—Introduction/Establishment of alien species after in-water cleaning; and R4—Establishment of alien species in effluent water. K-IMEA regrowth experiments (R2 and R4) using the in-water cleaning effluent showed that the attachment and regrowth of prokaryotes, microalgae, and macroalgae were successfully detected. In particular, prokaryotes were observed in samples filtered through a 5 μm mesh of the in-water cleaning effluent, even at a low fouling rating (Levels 1–2). These experiments suggest a necessity to consider a secondary treatment method in addition to the primary filtration method for the treatment of in-water cleaning effluents.

GMOCU: Digital Documentation, Management, and Biological Risk Assessment of Genetic Parts.

The continuous evolution of molecular biology and gene synthesis methods paired with an ever-increasing potential of synthetic biology approaches and genome engineering toolkits enables the rapid design of genetic bioparts and genetically modified organisms. Although various software solutions assist with specific design tasks and challenges, lab internal documentation and ensuring compliance with governmental regulations on biosafety assessment of the generated organisms remain the responsibility of individual academic researchers. This results in inconsistent and redundant documentation regimes and a significant time and labor burden. GMOCU (GMO documentation) is a standardized semi-automatic user-oriented software approach -written in Python and freely available- that unifies lab internal data documentation on genetic parts and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It automatizes biological risk evaluations and maintains a shared up-to-date inventory of bioparts for team-wide data navigation and sharing. GMOCU further enables data export into customizable formats suitable for scientific publications, official biosafety documents, and the research community.

Regulation of BTB (POZ) Structural Domain 6b by MicroRNA-222b in Zebrafish Embryos after Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate at Low Concentrations.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a sort of endocrine disruptor that induces abnormal physiological and biochemical activities such as epigenetic alterations, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short noncoding RNAs that may regulate the expression of many protein-coding genes when organisms are exposed to environmental chemicals. miR-222b is a differentially expressed miRNA after DEHP exposure. miRNA-mRNA prediction suggested that BTB (POZ) structural domain 6b (BTBD6B) might be a target mRNA of miR-222b, and DEHP exposure altered its expression. However, the correlation between miR-222b and BTBD6B has not been experimentally confirmed. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of BTBD6B by miR-222b in zebrafish embryos under the effect of low concentration of DEHP. Dual fluorescent protein assays and dual luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed the interaction between miR-222b and the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of BTBD6B. Ectopic expression assays showed that miR-222b could negatively regulate BTBD6B in ZF4 cells. However, the relative expression of miR-222b and BTBD6B was significantly higher at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in zebrafish embryos exposed to low concentrations of DEHP. The results of this study improved our understanding of the molecular mechanism of DEHP exposure toxicity. It identified that the aberrant expression of miR-222b/BTBD6B may be one of the mechanisms of DEHP toxicity, which can provide a theoretical reference and scientific basis for environmental management and biological health risk assessment.

Health risk assessment and occupational safety at hospitals in Southwest of Iran

Background/objectives: Risk assessment is very important to reduce the occurrence and spread of preventable accidents in hospitals because they have huge resources of funds related to the health of society, human, financial, physical, and equipment capital. This study was done in order to assess the occupational health and safety risks at Mehr and Razi Hospital in Ahvaz. MethodsIn this descriptive-cross-sectional study, the HOSHRA method was used at Mehr Private and Razi University of Education Hospital in Ahvaz during 2022. Then, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. ResultsBased on result of this study in Razi Hospital, the final score of risk is in order from the highest to the lowest related to biological risks > physical risks > chemical risks > ergonomic risks > psychological risks, and in Mehr Hospital, in order from the highest to the lowest related to biological risks > ergonomic risks > psychological risks > risks Physical and chemical hazards were obtained. The findings of the total HOSHRA index for different risks in the two selected hospitals showed that close to each other, but it was slightly higher in Razi Hospital in Ahvaz than in Mehr Hospital. ConclusionAccording to the findings study the chemical, ergonomic, psychological, physical, and biological risk assessment results showed that the risk level at Razi Educational and Mehr Private Hospitals is unacceptable and requires fundamental and urgent changes.

Biological risk assessment of high-voltage transmission lines on worker’s health of electric society

Biological risk assessment of high-voltage transmission lines on worker’s health of electric society

Práticas de biosseguridade associadas com infecção do vírus da diarreia viral bovina em rebanhos leiteiros no Brasil

ABSTRACT: This study determined the association between biosecurity practices and the status of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in dairy production systems. Approximately 280 herds were screened for BVDV virus detection. Following the screening, 68 herds were selected to identify individual BVDV PI animals using an ear notch biopsy and ELISA-antigen. All offspring of the last generation were tested, and the maternal lineage of positive cases was examined. A questionnaire on BVDV biological risk assessment was completed. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was conducted to determine the association between herds with or without BVDV circulation and biosecurity practices. The MCA revealed that farms with virus circulation lacked knowledge about the disease and wrongly perceived their herds as protected, while farms without virus circulation were aware of the disease but considered their herds unprotected. Vaccination practices differed between positive and negative herds, with positive herds using vaccines only for reproductive diseases and negative herds vaccinating for respiratory and reproductive issues. Biosecurity practices such as frequent visitation, contact between animals of different ages, and annual introduction of new animals were linked to viral circulation, while virus-free herds implemented measures like controlled visitation, no contact between different age groups, and quarantine. Lastly, herds with virus circulation acquired pregnant females without prior testing. This study emphasized the crucial role of biosecurity practices in controlling BVDV in dairy herds. It highlighted the sharper risk perception and better application of biosecurity practices in negative herds compared to BVDV-positive herds.

Competition among invasive and endemic carrion fly species in the Galapagos Islands with implications for biological control risk assessment

Abstract The composition of the necrobiome community in the Galapagos Islands is poorly understood, and nothing is known about the dynamics between endemic species and those introduced through human activity. To determine the composition of the carrion fly community, specifically members of the families Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae, we deployed four kinds of carrion bait traps during the cool and hot seasons at two lowland and two highland sites on Santa Cruz Island within the Galapagos archipelago. We also conducted a laboratory experiment to assess resource competition between fly species encountered in the baiting study. Of the eight fly species found in our baited traps, all were introduced except for the endemic sarcophagid, Sarothromyiops dasycnemis. Four endemic and one native carrion‐feeding species that had been previously recorded on this island were not found. The introduced sarcophagid, Peckia chrysostoma, was the most abundant fly species, comprising over half of the collected specimens, and it was highly dominant at the lowland sites. The endemic species, S. dasycnemis, was only recorded at the lowland sites during the hot season. On the other hand, the calliphorid species were dominant at the highland sites. Experiments demonstrated that P. chrysostoma is a strong competitor against other carrion fly species in the Galapagos necrobiome, including the endemic S. dasycnemis. A comparison of our data with historical records, combined with the results of our laboratory study, leads to the conclusion that introduced carrion fly species, such as P. chrysostoma, represent a threat to endemic carrion fly species, such as S. dasycnemis. Three parasitoid species were reared from 19% of the collected fly puparia. Two of these species attacked fly larvae (Brachymeria podagrica and Aphaereta sp.), whereas one species attacked fly puparia (Exoristobia sp.) We discuss our results in light of the possibility of the purposeful introduction of a parasitoid as a biological control agent against the avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi; Diptera: Muscidae) in Galapagos.

Monetary impacts should be considered in biological invasion risk assessments

Abstract Biological invasions pose a significant threat to biodiversity, planetary health and socio‐economies worldwide. Prioritizing invasive species for management is crucial, given the limited economic resources available. While global invasive species risk scoring systems exist, they currently do not incorporate fully quantitative impact metrics. However, the emergence of monetary costs as a standardized measure of invasive species impact across contexts provides an opportunity to compare species in risk assessments. Synthesis and applications: The economic impact of invasive species should now be considered in impact and risk assessments worldwide, given the growing availability and synthesis of cost data. This will allow for more informed decision‐making regarding the allocation of resources for invasive species management.

E. coli phage transport in porous media: Response to colloid types and water saturation

Because of its long survival time, high migration ability and high pathogenicity, the migration of the virus in the subsurface environment deserves in-depth exploration and research. In this study we investigated the migration behavior of E. coli phage (VI) with organic colloids (HA) or inorganic colloids (SiO2) in the saturated or unsaturated bands and compared the differences in their migration mechanisms.The effects of different colloids on the surface characteristics of VI were analyzed according to particle size and zeta potential. Column experiments were conducted to simulate their migration in the subsurface environment. The results show that HA enhances the stability of VI-HA, promotes VI migration and plays a dominant role in its migration process under both saturated and unsaturated conditions. In contrast, SiO2 puts VI-SiO2 in an unstable state and is easily separated in the unsaturated state, thus promoting VI migration. Based on migration experiments, the extent of influence factors on VI migration was quantified and compared. The effect of colloids on VI migration is greater than that of moisture content, where the effect of HA is greater than that of SiO2. This study provides an experimental research idea to determine the dominant factors affecting virus migration, and provides a general direction and theoretical basis for the biological risk assessment of pathogenic microorganisms in complex underground environments, in order to enable the decision makers to make a response in time, accurately, and efficiently.

Trace Metal Based Eco-Biological and Health Risk Status of Surface Water and Sediments of Noyyal River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT Pollution in the Noyyal river is a well-known and documented issue and recently, heavy metal contamination has become a serious issue requiring immediate attention. So, to understand the severity of heavy metal contamination in the surface water and sediments of the Noyyal river, a comprehensive study was conducted. About 27 surface water samples and 25 sediment samples were collected at different sites along the Noyyal river. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Noyyal river’s surface water showed significant variations with nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations exceeding acceptable limits for irrigation and aquatic life. Lead (Pb) concentrations were within acceptable limits for irrigation but potentially harmful to aquatic organisms. Noyyal river sediments also contained varying concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and gallium (Ga). Various assessment indices were employed to assess the eco-biological and human health risks associated with heavy metal contamination. The results highlighted alarming ecological and biological risks due to the accumulation of trace metals. Sediments exhibited high ecological risk (ERI values ranging from 43.81 to 371.43), while surface water samples intended for irrigation and aquatic purposes displayed extreme risks (ERI values exceeding 1200) to agricultural crops and aquatic organisms. The probability of toxicity to aquatic organisms, particularly benthic communities, was over 76% according to the biological risk assessment. The study also identified potential non-carcinogenic risks associated with metals like chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in the sediments. Moreover, elevated levels of Cr, Ni, and Cu in both sediments and surface water were likely to pose significant carcinogenic risks to exposed adults. Additionally, the heavy metal toxicity load in both surface water and sediments exceeded permissible limits, highlighting the urgent need for efficient removal strategies.

Development and validation of a biological risk assessment tool among hospital personnel under COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

The need for a biological disease risk assessment method to prevent the contagion of these diseases, particularly among healthcare personnel, is crucial. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a biological risk assessment tool for biological agents among hospital personnel under COVID-19 conditions. This cross-sectional study was performed on 301 employees in two hospitals. Firstly, we identified the items affecting the contagion of biological agents. Then, we computed the weight of the items using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method. We used the identified items and the estimated weights in the next step to develop a predictive equation. The outcome of this tool was the risk score of biological disease contagion. After that, we used the developed method to evaluate the biological risk of the participants. The ROC curve was also used to reveal accuracy of developed method. In this study, 29 items were identified and categorized into five dimensions, including environmental items, ventilation items, job items, equipment-related items, and organizational items. The weights of these dimensions were estimated at 0.172, 0.196, 0.255, 0.233, and 0.144, respectively. The final weight of items was used to develop a predictive equation. The area under ROC curves (AUC) was also calculated as 0.762 (95% CI: 0.704, 0.820) (p<0.001). The tools developed using these items had acceptable diagnostic accuracy for predicting the risk of biological diseases in health care. Therefore, one can apply it in identifying persons exposed to dangerous conditions.

37 Functional Requirements to Develop a new Risk Assessment Model for Exposure to Biological Agents

Abstract Within Occupational Risk Prevention, the assessment of risks due to exposure to biological agents has received little attention compared to risks such as those arising from chemicals. This was the case until the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of health effects related to exposure to biological agents in the work environment. However, the tools for hazard inventory, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures for biological agents are scarce. There are many reasons that make it challenging for OHS professionals to assess the exposure to biological agents such as, little knowledge on the biological agents potentially present in the different economic activities, their effects on health, the lack of standardized methods for quantitative sampling or the lack of reference values available for most biological agents. Different qualitative risk assessment tools for biological agents have been developed over the last decades. Some examples are the Simplified Evaluation of the INSST (Spain), the Biogaval-Neo of the INVASSAT (Spain), the Bioaerosol Tool of the IRSST (Canada) or the RIE Method of the NKAL (The Netherlands). These tools differ from each other in terms of their scope and the parameters used to determine risk and were compared in order to better understand their limitations and applicability. After the comparison was carried out some additional specific parameters have been proposed as essential for the development of this new model. The proposed improvements could be implemented in the development of a new qualitative biological risk assessment model in the Stoffenmanager® tool.

ANALYSIS OF APPROACHES OF INDIVIDUAL ASIAN COUNTRIES TO ASSESS BIOLOGICAL RISKS

Оver the past decade, the increase in outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, monkeypox, etc. has forced us to reconsider the approach to assessing biological risks in ensuring biological safety. The rapid global spread of these diseases is putting enormous pressure on governments and international agencies to diagnose, treat and control outbreaks. In this regard, it is necessary to study their potential in the field of biosecurity, including the diagnosis, treatment, and research of infectious diseases and improve the rules and guidelines for biodefense. An analysis of foreign experience, including China, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan was carried out on biological risk assessment, which requires constant monitoring and assessment of emerging threats and evolving risks. Monitoring includes conducting regular infectious disease surveillance, analyzing trends and patterns of disease transmission, and evaluating the effectiveness of prevention and control measures. Countries can adapt their approaches and strategies to address new and emerging threats by continuously monitoring and reassessing biological risks. In conclusion, the experience of foreign countries in biological risk assessment provides valuable information on best practices, strategies and technologies that can help improve global biological risk management and mitigation efforts. This review article highlights the importance of reliable surveillance systems, effective communication and cooperation, investment in research and development, constant vigilance and preparedness for biological threats.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY AND BIOSECURITY SYSTEM IN RIBSP RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROBLEMS

This article reflects the key aspects of the biological safety system and biological protection measures such as: biological risk assessment, engineering and technical means, personnel health control system, disinfection and disposal of solid and liquid waste, disinfection, disinfection and deratization, in industrial, scientific and experimental laboratories, insulators (vivarium’s) and facilities Research Institute for Biosafety Safety Problems in order to comply with the requirements of biosafety and biosecurity recommended by WHO, requirements of Sanitary rules and regulatory legal acts in the field of veterinary medicine. Search for information in Internet resources, for analysis, we used keywords in Russian and English. As a result, foreign and domestic literature sources on compliance with biological safety requirements and biological protection measures were analyzed.Analysis of literature sources has shown that failure to comply with these requirements and measures will lead to deliberate theft, leakage of strains of dangerous infectious diseases and failure to properly perform standard operating procedures, to an accident situation, laboratory infection of personnel. The measures taken to comply with the requirements of biosafety and biosecurity in the RIBSP significantly reduce the threat of infection of a person, the threat of the spread, penetration or theft of dangerous microorganisms.

Large-scale spatiotemporal variations, sources, and risk assessment of banned OCPs and PAHs in suspended particulate matter from the Negro river, Argentina

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) threaten the environment due to their wide environmental resistance. Environmental paradigms coexist along the Negro River (NR) in Argentina, South America, which flows to the sea below the latitude of 40o S; however, this is the first environmental assessment of OCPs and PAHs in water of the NR for more than 15 years. With 21 sampling sites covering a range of 600 km of river extension, we assessed 16 OCPs and 16 PAHs in suspended particulate material (SPM) with regard to their levels, seasonality, sources, and potential biological risk assessment. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detection, we found an overall mean value for Σ16 OCPs of 648.56 ng. g−1, d.w. Despite a ban spanning 25 years, an increasing trend of accumulation of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and endosulfan was shown in the lower valley. The ɑ-HCH/ɤ-HCH and β-HCH/(ɑ + ɤ)-HCH ratios indicated a prevalent usage of technical HCH over lindane and recent HCH inputs. The most abundant compound, α-endosulfan, averaged 141.64 ng. g−1, d.w. and DDX (Σ 4,4′-DDE, 4,4′-DDD, and 4,4′-DDT) averaged 99.98 ng. g−1, d.w. Winter OCP loads in the NR reflected the runoff of the heaviest pesticide application period. We estimated the total discharge of DDT into the Atlantic ocean was 96 g.day−1, added to 458 g of HCHs and 257 g of endosulfans (ɑ + β + epoxide) adsorbed by the SPM. PAHs occurred widely along the river (38.83 ± 43.52 μg. g−1) and the highest levels coincided with locations with marked anthropogenic-related activity, such as petroleum/gas exploitation facilities. Risk quotient analysis showed a low risk posed by OCPs, but a high risk of potential effects on biota posed by the PAHs, highlighting the need for mitigation measures.

GENERAL RULES FOR SAFE WORK WITH BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

Problem statement. The work was carried out on the identification and distribution by groups of various types of emergency situations that are possible in laboratories when performing procedures with various biological agents. The need to observe clearly regulated rules for safe work with various biological objects in laboratory institutions is proved. The purpose of the article. Determine the rules for safe work with various biological agents in laboratory conditions of different security levels. Method. Analytical methods, generalizing approaches to information presented in regulatory documents, literary and other information sources. Results. Existing and previously developed rules for safe work and techniques for appropriate laboratory work with biological objects are studied. The main signs of work risks according to the international classification of microorganisms are investigated. The characteristics of each hazard group are studied and examples of microbial species assigned to a particular risk group are given. The classification characteristics for four types of microbiological laboratories according to a number of features are given. It was established that the level of laboratories’ biological safety depends on the risk group of microorganisms. It is recognized that compliance with the rules of safe work with various biological agents in laboratory conditions is ensured by the use of necessary and mandatory equipment for a certain level of the laboratory. It is argued that the possibility of implementing biological safety rules in laboratories of different levels is based on the assessment of biological risks in certain conditions of a given laboratory institution. A step-by-step procedure for assessing biological risks in a certain laboratory has been developed, which is also presented in the form of a block diagram. Scientific novelty. Scientific and normative information on the rules of safe work with biological agents in laboratory conditions is analyzed and summarized. A defined sequence of actions for biological risk assessment in certain laboratory settings is proposed. Practical value. The practical possibility and necessity of managing biological risks in laboratory conditions of different biological safety levels is substantiated.

Astroparticle Experiments to Improve the Biological Risk Assessment of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in the Exploratory Space Missions: The research topic initiative

The actual and next decade will be characterized by an exponential increase in the Beyond Low Earth Orbit space exploration. In this context, a detailed space radiation field characterization will be crucial to optimize radioprotection strategies, assess the risk of the health hazard related to human space exploration, and reduce the damages potentially induced to astronauts from galactic cosmic radiation. Since the beginning of the century, many astroparticle experiments investigating the unknown universe components (e.g., dark matter, antimatter, dark energy) have collected enormous amounts of data regarding the cosmic ray (CR) components of the radiation in space. Such experiments are CR observatories, and the collected CR events contain valuable information that can enhance the space radiation field characterization. This paper will briefly present the status of the art of this research topic, and a research initiative titled “Astroparticle Experiments to Improve the Biological Risk Assessment of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in the Exploratory Space Missions” will be introduced.

Biological risk assessment in the clinical laboratory from the nurse's point of view

Introduction: The nurse as an active member of the health care team is key in risk management. Aim: To evaluate the level of biological risk in a primary health care clinical laboratory from the nurse's point of view. Methods: Descriptive study in a primary health care clinical laboratory, selected by non-probabilistic and intentional sampling. The Safety Level Evaluation Method, implemented in the ASeC software, was applied. Results: 34 % of negative aspects for safety were found, which is equivalent to an Unacceptable-Critical (I-C) level. Conclusions: the risk assessment developed made it possible to determine the biological risk profile of the laboratory under study, ranked by importance. The intervention of the nurse in the fulfillment of her investigative, assistance and administrative functions made it possible to identify and evaluate the risks in order to avoid work accidents, damage to the community and the environment