Laboratory Safety For the Electron and Correlative Microscopist

Laboratory safety in a diagnostic electron microscopy (EM) laboratory that deals with potentially infectious specimens is a complex issue. The risk of infection of laboratory personnel is an obvious concern, particularly in laboratories, such as diagnostic virology laboratories, which handle infected tissues and body fluids on a routine basis. A second hazard is introduced by the multitude of toxic, corrosive, and irritating chemical reagents required for the preparation of samples for EM. Physical hazards inherent in the complex machinery necessary for EM and other forms of microscopy must also not be overlooked. Attention to each of these concerns must be orchestrated over the course of a multistep process that often lasts several days. Success in this endeavor is facilitated by a comprehensive quality control program encompassing personnel, specimens, chemicals, and equipment.The foundation for safe handling of samples in the clinical laboratory is the principle of universal precautions, under which all blood, other body fluids, and tissues are considered potentially infectious and handled using appropriate protective measures.