High-Risk Biological Agents: Medical Consultation Requirement

Last Updated: February 2, 2026 10:38:16 AM PST

See UC San Diego's medical consultation requirement for employees working with high-risk biological agents.

Requirement for researchers

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

High-risk biological agents covered by this requirement include:

Coxiella burnetii -Q fever (rickettsia)
Herpes B virus
Listeria monocytogenes (bacteria)
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)
Rabies virus/ Rabies Viral Vector
Toxoplasma gondii (protozoa)
Vaccinia virus
Zika virus

Schedule a consultation

If you work with any of the high-risk biological agents listed above or wish to request a consult for other biological agents, schedule a medical consultation by contacting the EH&S Occupational Health Nurse at COEM.

The purpose of a 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 or prophylaxis 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.