Which BSL level corresponds to high risk?

Which BSL level corresponds to high risk?

• A. BSL-3
• B. BSL-1
• C. BSL-2
• D. BSL-4

Answer: (A)

High risk requires the most stringent containment and protections. Biosafety levels scale with risk: the higher the level, the stronger the controls to prevent exposure and release of dangerous agents. The top level is built for the most dangerous pathogens—those that can cause serious or fatal disease and may be transmitted through aerosols, often with no reliable treatment. It uses a dedicated, isolated facility with controlled ventilation and HEPA filtration, entry and exit procedures that include decontamination, and full encapsulated protective gear with life-support systems. Because of these intensive measures, the highest containment level is the appropriate match for high-risk work. Lower levels provide progressively less protection and are used for pathogens and procedures that pose lesser risks.

High risk requires the most stringent containment and protections. Biosafety levels scale with risk: the higher the level, the stronger the controls to prevent exposure and release of dangerous agents. The top level is built for the most dangerous pathogens—those that can cause serious or fatal disease and may be transmitted through aerosols, often with no reliable treatment. It uses a dedicated, isolated facility with controlled ventilation and HEPA filtration, entry and exit procedures that include decontamination, and full encapsulated protective gear with life-support systems. Because of these intensive measures, the highest containment level is the appropriate match for high-risk work. Lower levels provide progressively less protection and are used for pathogens and procedures that pose lesser risks.