Any primary human cultures, tissues, and blood should be considered as biohazardous and treated as if potentially infectious. Three of the greater concers in the Neuropathology Tissue Culture labs include Hepatitis B (HBV, which everyone should be immunized against), Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV-1.

2. General Precautions

1. Whenever entering a tissue culture room or area that deals with potentially infectious human tissue or its derivatives, be sure to put on a fresh pair of latex gloves to protect yourself. Those who work directly with the samples should wear two pairs of gloves and a gown to protect themselves as well as the tissue from potential contamination.
   
   
2. Human tissue should be handled only within Biosafety Leverl II or III certified hood.
   
   
3. Gloves should be sprayed with 70% ethanol and changed as often as needed to prevent the spread of particles throughout the facility. Anything passing under the biological hood window must be disinfected as well.

3. Spills

A biological spill should be covered with a paper towel, and bleach or virex poured onto it beginning from the outside edge of the spill to prevent spreading. Let sit for 15 minutes. Clean up wity a countertop pad. If you have been exposed, refer to the section that explains Biological/Chemical Exposure.

4. UPMC Bloodborne Pathogen Training

Anyone handling human tissue, blood or infectious agents is required to attend a bloodborne pathogen training session.