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Biosafety Information

Biosafety level classification

Biosafety Level Classification

Biosafety levels (BSL) define the containment precautions required when handling biological materials. The classification is based on risk assessment, transmission routes and the potential impact on human health.

Cytion supplies BSL-1 and BSL-2 cell lines only

Our catalog is restricted to materials suitable for standard research laboratories. The classifications below are a general reference for laboratory planning and risk assessment.

AVAILABLE FROM CYTION
BSL-1 cell lines: minimal risk, no known disease association
BSL-2 cell lines: moderate risk, handled in standard biosafety cabinets
NOT SUPPLIED
BSL-3 agents: high-containment research only
BSL-4 agents: maximum-containment facilities only

Biosafety Levels

Four ascending levels of containment, from basic to maximum security

BSL-1
Minimal risk
Agents not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adults
REQUIRED PRACTICES
Standard microbiological practices
Work on open bench tops
No special containment equipment required
Lab coats and gloves as needed
EXAMPLE AGENTS
E. coli K-12, Bacillus subtilis, S. cerevisiae
BSL-2
Moderate risk
Agents associated with human disease that present moderate hazards
REQUIRED PRACTICES
Limited laboratory access
Biohazard warning signs posted
Biosafety cabinets for aerosol-generating work
Decontamination of infectious waste
EXAMPLE AGENTS
Hepatitis B, HIV, Salmonella, MRSA
BSL-3
High containment
Agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation
REQUIRED PRACTICES
Controlled access
All work performed in biosafety cabinets
Respiratory protection where required
Separated laboratory environment
EXAMPLE AGENTS
M. tuberculosis, SARS-CoV, West Nile virus
BSL-4
Maximum containment
Dangerous and exotic agents with a high risk of life-threatening infection
REQUIRED PRACTICES
Positive-pressure suit
Dedicated ventilation systems
Full decontamination procedures
EXAMPLE AGENTS
Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Nipah virus

Safety Requirements Comparison

How containment requirements escalate from minimal-risk handling to maximum-containment facilities

Requirement
BSL-1
BSL-2
BSL-3
BSL-4
Open bench work
✓
–
✕
✕
Biosafety cabinet required
✕
✓
✓
✓
Restricted access
✕
✓
✓
✓
Decontamination of waste
✕
✓
✓
✓
Controlled ventilation
✕
✕
✓
✓
Double-door entry
✕
✕
✓
✓
Full pressure suit
✕
✕
✕
✓
Chemical shower exit
✕
✕
✕
✓

– indicates a partial or conditional requirement.

Need biosafety guidance?

Our team can help you determine the appropriate biosafety level for your research and recommend cell lines that match the containment of your facility.

Contact our team