L A B S A F E T Y The National Association of Biology Teachers
recognizes the importance of laboratory activities using human
body samples and has developed minimum safety guidelines to
minimize the risk of transmitting serious disease. ("The Use of
Human Body Fluids and Tissue Products in Biology," News & Views,
June 1996.) These are summarized below: The mouthwash method of
DNA isolation does generate liquid waste; however, the risk of
spreading an infectious agent is much less likely than from
natural atomizing processes, such as coughing or sneezing.
Several elements further minimize any risk of spreading an
infectious agent that might be present in mouthwash samples:
Consent and Confidentiality Student particpation in this
experiment raises real-life questions about the use of personal
genetic data: There is concensus that a human DNA sample should
be obtained only with the willing consent of a donor, who
understands the purpose for which it is being collected. Thus,
the experiments should be explained a