SM Risk Management & Mitigation 5

Question 1

Under the CDC select agent regulations, an entity must report the theft, loss, or release of a select agent to CDC/USDA within:

Accepted Answer

24 hours of discovery

Answer

42 CFR Part 73 requires immediate (within 24 hours) notification to CDC and relevant authorities upon discovery of theft, loss, or release of a select agent or toxin.

Question 2

Which principle underlies the use of safety interlocks on BSL-3 laboratory door systems?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that both doors cannot be open at the same time, maintaining pressure differential

Answer

Safety interlocks prevent both airlock doors from being open simultaneously, preserving the directional pressure differential that keeps potentially contaminated air from escaping the BSL-3 area.

Question 3

A microbiologist proposes working with a newly isolated pathogen of unknown risk group. The MOST appropriate first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Assign a provisional risk group based on phylogenetic relatedness and known pathogen characteristics, then apply appropriate precautions

Answer

Provisional risk grouping based on genus/species relatedness, transmission routes, and available epidemiological data allows appropriate interim biosafety measures while full characterization proceeds.

Question 4

Which approach BEST mitigates the risk of laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) from needlestick injuries when working with infectious agents?

Accepted Answer

Substituting needles with needleless systems or safety-engineered sharps whenever possible

Answer

Engineering substitution—using needleless or safety-engineered devices—eliminates or reduces needlestick risk at the source, superior to procedural modifications that still allow injury.

Question 5

In risk communication during a potential biological incident, the biosafety officer's PRIMARY obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide timely, accurate, and transparent information to affected personnel and required authorities

Answer

Effective risk communication requires timely and accurate disclosure to exposed personnel and mandatory reporting to public health authorities, which is both an ethical and regulatory obligation.

(SM) Specialist in Microbiology Practice Test

(SM) Specialist in Microbiology Practice Test

SM Risk Management & Mitigation 5