The use of recombinant DNA or infectious agents has the potential of endangering the health of members of society, individual laboratory members, human research participants and/or vertebrate animals. Federal regulations require that all procedures involving the use of recombinant DNA (rDNA) undergo review by the Institutional Biosafety Committee. The Institutional Biosafety Committee is responsible for reviewing all activities utilizing rDNA or infectious agents, assuring the safe conduct of the research, assessing decontamination and containment levels, and ensuring the rDNA research is conducted in compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Use of Recombinant DNA Molecules.

This site describes the current policies of Tulane University’s Institutional Biosafety Committee and how it regulates research involving biohazardous agents. It is intended to help investigators, Committee members and Biosafety Officers comply with federal, state and local regulations.