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ABSA High Containment Laboratory Accreditation Program

The American Biological Safety Association’s (ABSA) Laboratory Accreditation program was developed for U.S. Biosafety Level (BSL) 3 and animal biosafety level (ABSL)-3 laboratories. The purpose of the ABSA accreditation program is to ensure that biocontainment facilities have in place the necessary practices, procedures, personnel, and equipment to protect people, animals, plants, and the environment and minimize the potential of laboratory associated infections and laboratory accidents. Key factors in the ABSA accreditation process are an objective assessment of the technical competence and quality system of an organization or laboratory as it relates to biohazard management, including personnel training and experience. Accreditation, using relevant local, national and international guidelines, regulations and standards is an effective way of ensuring competence in a comprehensive and uniform manner in laboratories working with biohazards. The accreditation program is voluntary, and an agreement between the entity and the ABSA Accreditation Board will define the scope of the review. Key components assessed by the accreditation program include: 1) the biosafety expertise and training of personnel managing and conducting the research; 2) the adequacy and function of the biosafety management structure supporting the research activities; and 3) the adequacy and function of biocontainment measures, including facilities, equipment, practices, and record-keeping systems, in place at the facility that is evaluated. ABSA accreditation will provide entities recognition of excellence and compliance with high standards that will be important among their peers as well as their organization’s management. The ABSA accreditation standards will help facilities that need guidance in generating processes and policies to create a safer environment for their organization, its employees, and for the community. Achieving accreditation will be verification to the organization, the employees, and the community that the organization is taking extra steps to create a safer environment. The ABSA Laboratory Accreditation Program does not supplant any required regulatory inspections. Benefits of ABSA Accreditation: • Verification that organizations are meeting industry standards • Safety assurance for staff, researchers, and the public • Assurance for stakeholders • Sharing best practices in an evolving industry • Guidance in proper management and conduct of research in high-containment laboratories For additional information regarding the ABSA Accreditation Program please contact the ABSA Office at 1-866-425-1385 or send email to info@absa.org

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