Laboratory security is a vital component of institutional laboratory operations. While hazardous biological agents and toxins are inherent to a biomedical institution, the chemicals and radiological materials used to support biomedical research goals have their own unique security requirements. The presence and use of these materials necessitates heightened security measures that must be followed to ensure adherence to federal and state regulations and the safety and health of an institution’s employees and the surrounding environment. In this paper, we outline best practices, key considerations, and applicable institutional oversight measures related to laboratory security activities. The laboratory security components we describe are intended to help institutions implement, address, and mitigate the complex security risks associated with laboratory work in biomedical facilities. Leveraging these best practices can ensure a secure work environment by reducing risks of insider threats, intentional theft or misuse of laboratory materials, and release of sensitive information by restricting sensitive information and hazardous material access to only those who require or have a need for it.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Agriculture. Select agents regulations. Updated October 5, 2022. Accessed May 15, 2024. https://www.selectagents.gov/regulations/index.htm
National Research Council. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards, Updated Version. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2011. https://doi.org/10.17226/12654
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), Applied Research Ethics National Association. National Institutes of Health. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook. 2nd ed. Bethesda, MD: OLAW; 2002. Accessed December 15, 2025. https://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/guidebook.pdf
14.
National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare. Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Reprint. Bethesda, MD; 2015. Accessed December 15, 2025. https://olaw.nih.gov/sites/default/files/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Agriculture. Select agents and toxins list. Updated January 14, 2025. Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.selectagents.gov/sat/list.htm
National Institutes of Health (NIH). Tools for the Identification, Assessment, Management, and Responsible Communication of Dual Use Research of Concern. A Companion Guide to the United States Government Policies for Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern. Bethesda, MD: NIH; 2014. Accessed May 29, 2024. https://www.biosecuritycentral.org/static/519853488e986928bcdda5d3ba31b8c0/durc-companion-guide.pdf
26.
US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Framework for Guiding Funding Decisions about Proposed Research Involving Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens. Washington, DC: HHS; 2017. Accessed May 29, 2024. https://aspr.hhs.gov/S3/Documents/P3CO.pdf
27.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Agriculture. Federal Select Agent Program. Accessed May 29, 2024. https://www.selectagents.gov/
28.
National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare. PHS policy on humane care and use of laboratory animals. G. Institutional responsibilities: 8. What are the institution’s responsibilities in preparing for targeting by animal rights activists? Accessed August 20, 2024. https://olaw.nih.gov/faqs#/guidance/faqs?anchor=50385
Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors. [Suggested State Regulations for Control of Radiation]. Accessed April 15, 2025. https://crcpd.org/ssrcrs/
US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS) Guidance. Washington, DC: DHS; 2009. Accessed May 29, 2024. http://www.cisa.gov/publication/cfats-rbps-guidance
