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Blood, blood products & human tissue

Work with blood, blood products & human tissue

This page provides guidance for work with blood, blood products and other human tissue in research laboratories. It does not cover specific work with blood borne pathogens such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Risk Assessment requirements

The risk assessment should be specific for the procedures involved and take account of the nature and source of the samples to be handled. Of particular concern is the possible presence in the material of blood borne viruses (BBVs), most notably hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, other pathogens may be present and it is important to take account of these also. The key control measures when working with any blood and human tissues are maintaining good working practice standards and avoiding the use of sharps. Paying particular attention to these precautions will protect against the transmission of all blood borne pathogens by the percutaneous route.

Immunisation

All workers involved with handling unscreened blood, blood products and other tissues are recommended to have HBV immunisation (contact the University Occupational Health Advisor on Ext. 2026/4608).