RISK ASSESSMENT
When using any new procedure or modifying an existing protocol it is essential to carry
out a risk assessment of all aspects of the work process, namely starting materials, culture
procedures, product purification and waste disposal. For most chemicals and reagents used
in cell culture there are standard texts and sources of information, most obviously the
manufacturer, which enable rapid assessment of risk based on the properties of the reagent,
its physical form, the quantities used and the procedures to which it is to be subjected.
However, there are a number of factors unique to the manipulation and culture of animal
cells which make risk assessment a more difficult and sometimes uncertain process. The
following paragraphs aim to identify the safety concerns specifically relating to cell culture
and to give some general guidance for risk assessment in these areas.