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Human and NonHuman Primate Cells and Tissues
IBC Policy
Policy on the Use of Human and nonHuman Primate Cells and Tissues
Introduction
According to CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratory (BMBL, 5th ed.), although risk of
laboratory infection from working with cell cultures in general is low, risk increases when working with human and
other primate cells, and primary cells from other mammalian species.1 The BMBL cites reports of infection of
laboratory workers handling primary rhesus monkey kidney cells, and the bloodborne pathogen risks from working
with primary human cells, tissues and body fluids are widely recognized. As these materials are commonly used in
biomedical research laboratories including in vivo experiments, the appropriate biosafety requirements for handling
these materials are often subject to debate within the scientific community. In order to clarify the University’s
position on these matters, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) has created the following guidance.
Background
In 1991, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)
Standard to protect employees who have occupational exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious
materials. While human blood, most body fluids, unfixed human tissues and organs were clearly included within
the scope and application of the standard, the inclusion of human cell lines was ambiguous.
In 1994, OSHA issued an interpretation of the applicability of the BBP Standard towards human cell lines.
According to the interpretation, human cell lines are considered to be potentially infectious and within the scope of
the BBP Standard unless the specific cell line has been characterized to be free of hepatitis viruses, HIV, EpsteinBarr virus, papilloma viruses and other recognized bloodborne pathogens.2 In addition, the BMBL recommends that
human and other primate cells should be handled using Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) practices and containment.1
In consideration of the aforementioned regulatory interpretation, consensus guidelines and other factors, the UCLA
IBC has adopted the following guidance policy:
Human and nonhuman primate cells and tissue cultures shall be handled in accordance with the OSHA BBP
Standard and under BSL-2 practices and containment in cell culture experiments and Animal BSL2
practices and containment when used in animal experiments. These experiments require IBC approval prior
to initiation of work including all applicable ancillary committees.
Occupational Health and Safety Consideration
The risks associated with work involving human and nonhuman primate materials can vary depending on individual
worker practices, as well as the use and manipulation of the material. Specific occupational health and safety
guidelines shall be assessed (e.g., laboratory specific exposure control plan, medical surveillance, immunization,
and management of exposure, including treatment and prophylaxis) when protocols are reviewed by the IBC.
For more complete guidelines (including training and submitting an application to the IBC), contact Environment,
Health & Safety Biosafety Division at 310-206-3929 or [email protected].
References
1. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 5th Edition, URL:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl5/bmbl5toc.htm
2. OSHA Letter of Interpretation, URL:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=21519
Environment, Health and Safety
Biosafety Division
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Effective Date June 6, 2008