Safer sharps or needle locking syringe device are used for rDNA

A safer sharp is a non-needle sharp or a needle device with a built-in safety feature or mechanism that effectively reduces the risk of an exposure incident.

Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (BSL-2 and higher):

Only needle-locking syringes or disposable syringe-needle units (i.e., needle is integral to the syringe) are used for the injection or aspiration of fluids containing organisms that contain recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules.

Human Derived Materials or Bloodborne Pathogens:

Labs that use human derived materials or work with bloodborne pathogens are subject to the requirements of the Bloodborne Infectious Diseases Standard. This standard requires that available safer sharps devices be used and that those devices be reviewed annually in consideration of newly marketed ones.

References:

  • BMBL 6th ed. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 300859
  • MSU Biosafety and Security Manual
  • MSU Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan
  • NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. April 2019

Corrective actions:

Bloodborne pathogen labs who are using sharps on human derived materials or bloodborne pathogens must fill out the forms below. This is NOT required if the sharps in the space are not used on bloodborne pathogen materials. 

Safer Sharps Devices Annual Review Form (DOC)

Safer Sharps Evaluation Form (PDF)

For additional information on safer sharps refer to the MSU Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan or contact the Biosafety Office at 517-355-0153.

Examples of safer sharp devices can be view at: https://www.cdc.gov/sharpssafety/pdf/sharpssafety_poster3.pdf

Lab Safety Inspections