All users working in the Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core Facility must comply with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL‑2) requirements. These policies are in place to protect users, staff, and the facility and must be followed at all times when working with BSL‑2 samples.
General Laboratory Guidelines
The following BSL‑2 laboratory practices are mandatory for all users:
- No food or drink is permitted in the laboratory.
- Good laboratory practices must be followed at all times.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, including:
- Gloves
- Laboratory gown or lab coat
- Closed‑toe shoes (no open‑toed shoes allowed)
- Laboratory doors must remain closed during instrument operation.
BSL‑2 Requirements for Cell Sorting
Additional procedures are required when performing cell sorting with BSL‑2 samples:
- The Aerosol Management System (AMS) must be turned on for all BSL‑2 sorting procedures.
- Users must allocate 20 minutes at the end of each sorter appointment for mandatory cleaning and decontamination.
- This time must be included in the scheduled appointment.
Post‑Run Cleaning and Decontamination Procedures
At the conclusion of each BSL‑2 sort, the following cleaning protocol must be completed:
- Run 10% bleach for 10 minutes at a sample flow rate of 11.
- Follow with ethanol (EtOH) for 5 minutes at a sample flow rate of 11.
- Finish with water for 5 minutes at a sample flow rate of 11.
- Wipe down and disinfect:
- Sort block
- Bulk injector
- Dispose of liquid waste using red biohazard waste containers.
- Wipe down and disinfect the work area after completing instrument use.
User Responsibility
All users are responsible for:
- Ensuring samples are accurately classified as BSL‑2 prior to scheduling.
- Complying with UTMB biosafety training requirements.
- Following all cleaning and decontamination procedures before leaving the facility.
Failure to comply with BSL‑2 requirements may result in loss of facility access.