HIGH CONTAINMENT LABORATORIES: Coordinated Efforts Needed to Further Strengthen Oversight of Select Agents

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1163102 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Laboratories conduct research on hazardous pathogens--such as Ebola virus or anthrax bacteria--in more than 200 labs in the United States. Safety lapses have occurred at some of these labs, raising concerns about whether oversight is effective. For this testimony, we looked at the Federal Select Agent Program, which is responsible for overseeing these labs, and found room for improvement. For example, the program allows some agencies to oversee their own labs, which could potentially lead to conflicts of interest. In the report on which this testimony is based, we recommended 11 actions to improve oversight.

Author(s):
Denigan-macauley, Mary
Author Organization(s):
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
Funding Organization(s):
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WASHINGTON DC, WASHINGTON , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Technical Report
Publication Date:
2017 Nov 02
Pagination:
13

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
No COI(s) Identified
Descriptor(s):
united states, department of defense, governments, health care, security, ebola virus, pathogenic bacteria, accountability, homeland security, program management, risk, safety, safety equipment, diseases and disorders, electronic mail, inspection, national governments
Keyword(s):
Health Care, Biological research, Conflict of interests, Compliance oversight, Documentation, Federal agencies, High-containment laboratories, Internal controls, Pathogens, Risk assessment, Strategic planning, Workforce planning, Biocontainment laboratories
Subject Categories:
Biological and Medical Sciences; Military Sciences
Creation Date:
2022 Mar 10
Update Date:
2022 Mar 31