Per NIH guidelines (https://osp.od.nih.gov/policies/biosafety-and-biosecurity-policy#tab2/) and the Stanford University Administrative Panel on Biosafety policy (see Chapter 5, Charge to the APB), the APB requires researchers to have an approved APB protocol and follow specific guidelines for working with prions and prion-like proteins.

Specific in vitro or in vivo work with such proteins is classified as BSL2 or ABSL2 and requires an APB- approved protocol. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of work:

  • Synthesis, use or production of protein in high concentration
  • Generation or use of mutated proteins
  • Generation or use of fibrillar or misfolded forms of proteins

APB protocols must include established prion disinfection/decontamination and destruction/ disposal protocols, or specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These SOPs must be provided for review by the APB. If necessary, contact Biosafety for appropriate methods. Refer to the following references for established infection control guidelines for disinfection/decontamination: