Vulnerability of Health Professionals to Biological Materials in the Research Setting

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Although the prevention of accidents involving biological material is essential for health professionals, there are no guidelines governing the biosafety planning process in research projects. Method A total of 217 research projects approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil were assessed for collection of data on three essential aspects: risks to researchers, agent of exposure, and risk to the environment. Results According to the analyzed data, we found that 90% of the studies did not provide crucial information on biosafety. Only 2% of studies were considered biologically secure in their developing. Conclusions Most research projects do not provide adequate guidance on the prevention of exposure to biological material and on management in case of accidents. New criteria should be established for approval of these projects so that they contemplate biosafety during their execution.