We developed a matrix of changes between Section IV of the current and former editions of
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), focusing
on biosafety levels two, three, and four (BSL2, BSL3, and BSL4). Citations containing
multiple statements were subdivided into individually addressable statements and
statements with similar/identical scope were aligned, allowing for a precise comparative
analysis. In addition, statements were categorized for further analysis based on the
subject of the change, the type of change, and the outcome of the change. Although the
Fifth Edition of BMBL (BMBL5) proved to be a close facsimile of its predecessor, we
identified 375 total changes, including 165 novel statements not addressed in the former
edition. Over 65% (110) of these changes were found in statements pertaining to BSL4
containment. In our study, we further examine these edition differences and identify key
areas where those entities responsible for compliance with these new recommendations may
wish to focus their efforts.
References
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DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Available at: www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/bmbl4toc.htm
2.
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, & National Institutes of
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