Principal Investigators are responsible for registering all experiments involving pathogenic microorganisms (human, animal, plant or arthropod) with the Institutional Biosafety Committee before beginning work. Organisms requiring registration and IBC approval are those listed in Appendix B of the NIH Guidelines. Registration is available online. Annual training on the NIH Guidelines is a requirement for all principal investigators who register their research. Investigators whose work may involve the use of select agents should contact the Biosafety Officer/Responsible Official at biosafety@umd.edu or (301) 405-3975 for assistance. Federal regulations require researchers to receive training before sending infectious substances (any human or animal pathogen) via commercial carrier. Please take the online general training, then contact the Biosafety Office at biosafety@umd.edu to register for specific training. Additional information is available at Shipping Infectious Substances.
Take Our Training
Animal Biosafety Level 2 Refresher training
All work with infectious agents at the University must be registered with and approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
Shipping Human and Animal Pathogens
Shipment of human and animal pathogens is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These regulations are complex and exacting. They require that individuals who prepare infectious materials for shipment (researchers) receive periodic training. In addition, packages must be marked and labeled exactly as the regulations specify, and packaging materials must be tested and certified to withstand certain durability and pressure tests. Cardboard boxes in which you have received supplies cannot be used to ship infectious materials.
If you will be sending human or animal pathogens via commercial carrier, please contact Biosafety Office at biosafety@umd.edu for information on how to signup for a scheduled training session.
Post-Exposure Procedures
Follow the Post-Exposure Procedures at UMD