Working With High-Risk Biological Agents: Medical Consultation Requirement

Read about the medical consultation requirement for employees working with high-risk biological agents.

Requirement

UC San Diego's Occupational Health (Medical Surveillance) policy, PPM 516-21, requires medical consultations for selected high-risk biological agents used in laboratory, clinical, or animal research.

High-risk biological agents include:

• Listeria
• Vaccinia
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)

Schedule a consultation

If you work with one or more of the 3 high-risk biological agents listed above, contact the EH&S Occupational Health nurse, (858) 534-8225 to schedule a medical consultation.

Purpose

The purpose of the medical consultation is to:

• Educate employees about potential occupational risks for working with the biological agent.
• Educate employees about risks and benefits associated with immunization for the biological agent, if available.
• Review preventive practices, and incident and exposure reporting procedures.
• Screen and counsel employees on medical conditions that may place them at increased risk for working with the biological agent.

Related policy

• UCSD Policy on Vaccinia Virus Vaccination (PDF)

Safety

Biosafety

• About the Biosafety Program
• Resources
• Animal Biosafety Level Reclassification
• Biohazard Use Authorization
• Autoclave Overview
• Biosafety Cabinet Overview
• Biosafety Level Practices Chart
• Bloodborne Pathogens Program
• Decontamination Methods
• Forms
• Select Agents
• High-Risk Biological Agents Requirement