Until more information becomes available, precautions should be taken in handling specimens that are suspected or confirmed for SARS-CoV-2. Timely communication between clinical and laboratory staff is essential to minimize the risk incurred in handling specimens from patients with possible SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such specimens should be labeled accordingly, and the laboratory should be alerted to ensure proper specimen handling. General and specific biosafety guidelines for handling SARS-CoV-2 specimens are provided below. For additional information on handling SARS-CoV-2 specimens, refer to the Laboratory Frequently Asked Questions.

General Guidance

All laboratories should perform a site-specific and activity-specific risk assessment to identify and mitigate risks. Risk assessments and mitigation measures are dependent on:

• The procedures performed
• Identification of the hazards involved in the process and/or procedures
• The competency level of the personnel who perform the procedures
• The laboratory equipment and facility
• The resources available

Follow Standard Precautions when handling clinical specimens, all of which may contain potentially infectious …continued .
[Original Source: CDC]