Clinical specimens submitted to diagnostic and public health microbiology laboratories can contain microorganisms that pose safety risks to those handling the specimens and any cultures derived from them. These microorganisms can include nonpathogenic or moderately hazardous agents such as routinely isolated bacteria and fungi as well as higher-risk pathogens, including M. tuberculosis and agents of viral hemorrhagic fever. In order to categorize the threats posed by these microorganisms to laboratory staff, various classification schemata have been developed.

ASM has developed an interim guideline to assist clinical laboratory personnel with laboratory risk assessment, sentinel laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and biomedical waste management.