Biosafety considerations for laboratory work with SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Today, the world is affected by a COVID-19 epidemic. Early diagnosis can play an important role in the control and prevention of this disease, so the study and practice of biosafety among staff of diagnostic laboratories have a key role in the healthiness of health fighters against COVID-19. In this study, we will review laboratory biosafety considerations for the diagnosis process of SARS-CoV-2 in three phases: (1) the preanalytical phase, (2) the analytical phase, and (3) the postanalytical phase. It should be noted that employees with high-risk underlying health conditions, like lung or heart disease or diabetes, should be moved to lower-risk environments. We believe that this review will help to restrict the risk of developing COVID-19, while working in clinical laboratories.