Certified Research Administrator Practice Exam

What best characterizes essential laboratory biosafety practices in medical research?

1. Biological safety cabinets class I, II, or III according to the agent under study

2. Special microbiological practices used to conduct procedures with high aerosol potential

3. Basic and containment procedures designed to protect personnel and the environment

4. Degrees of protection provided personnel, the environment, and the community

The correct answer is: Basic and containment procedures designed to protect personnel and the environment

Essential laboratory biosafety practices in medical research are fundamentally characterized by basic and containment procedures designed to protect personnel and the environment. This encompasses a comprehensive framework of practices aimed at minimizing exposure to biological hazards during research, ensuring that laboratory workers are safe, and preventing the release of harmful agents into the environment. Basic procedures include personal protective equipment (PPE), proper hand hygiene, and protocols for handling and disposing of biological materials. Containment strategies are specific to the laboratory design and operational practices that aim to contain potential pathogens, ensuring that they do not escape into the environment. This holistic focus contributes crucially to creating a safe research environment, promoting both health and environmental safety. While biological safety cabinets, microbiological practices, and degrees of protection are important components of biosafety, they fall under the broader umbrella of the fundamental practices and procedures that prioritize the safety of personnel and the environment. Therefore, the emphasis on a systematic approach to biosafety is what fundamentally characterizes these practices in medical research.