CL2 with CL3 Procedures are organisms that pose a medium/high risk to the individual, but low risk to the community.

CL2 with CL3 procedure organisms include HIV-based Lentivirus, Pseudorabies, and some other viral vector systems. When manipulating clinical samples containing HIV, Hep B or C, TB, WestNile, some Influenza strains, or other RG2 or RG3 pathogens, CL3 procedures may be required.

All studies must undergo a risk assessment to determine if additional precautions are required.  The Biosafety Committee will perform an assessment once a Biosafety Protocol is submitted through RISe.

Setting up a CL2 with CL3 Procedures Workspace

All workspaces must be approved by Risk Management Services. The following provides structural and personal protection equipment requirements, but these are dependent on what organism is being used and what procedures are performed. Please contact the Biosafety Office to perform a full risk assessment.

Procedural Requirements

Once a room is identified for CL2 with CL3 procedures all individuals working in the room (whether with lenti or not) must follow the procedural requirements.

Facility Requirements

• Dedicated and isolated CL2 space (usually a cell culture room) with a door
• Ability to restrict access
• Non-absorptive surfaces
• Negative pressure
• Hand-washing sink near the exit
• Ante room or pseudo ante room (created on a case by case situation)
• Seamless flooring
• Access to an autoclave
• Space to contain all the necessary equipment including:
  • Biosafety Cabinet (BSC)
  • Centrifuges (micro, ultra and or high speed)
  • Incubators (for in vitro work)
  • Vortex (must be located within the BSC)
  • Refrigerator and/or Freezer
  • Microscope
  • Waterbath
  • And any other specialized equipment

Animal Facilities

• All of the above for the procedure room
• Isolated housing rooms
• Autoclave access for all the tools and consumables used in the procedure room and for all the bedding, cages etc. in the housing rooms.
• HEPA filtered cage changing stations

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Isolation gown
• Double gloves
• Shoe covers
• May need Goggles, Hair net and N95 mask depending on the procedures

Please contact us for more information:

Stephanie Thomson
604.822.9527