Microbiology & Immunology - Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory

The Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory ensures safe working conditions for researchers carrying out studies requiring stringent levels of biological containment. The laboratory is under negative pressure with exhaust air HEPA filtered. The laboratory is approved and licensed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The BSL-3 suite is 413 sq ft and is outfitted with the following equipment: biological safety cabinet, class II type B2, hands free sink (pedal operated), hands free sink with eye-wash (pedal operated), bench-type centrifuge, microfuge, microscope, thermal cycler, autoclave, incubator, -20˚ C freezer, -80˚ C freezer and a refrigerator.

The BSL-3 laboratory has a telephone, data lines for computer networking and a fax machine for data transmission. Access to the laboratory is through a change room and air lock and is controlled by an access control system. The air lock is positive to both the BSL-3 and the change room and serves as the pressure barrier to prevent the flow of air from the BSL-3 to the change room and the exfiltration of air to the general corridor.

Researchers must receive U.S. Department of Justice and CDC approval to be considered for access. The Institutional Biosafety Committee is responsible for certifying users for access based on prior proficiency and training. A BSL-3 Biosafety Manual describes all procedures that must be followed by researchers carrying out projects in the BSL-3 facility.

CONTACT:
Ira Schwartz, Ph.D.
Professor and Chairman
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Telephone: 914 594-4175
Fax: 914 594-4176