Retroviral work - (Nov/24/2011 )

Hey

I recently started a PhD and most of my work has so far been based around retroviral transfections to establish a stable cell line.

Over the last few days it has made me a little paranoid as I don't feel 100% safe working with them.

The retrovirus I am working with is replication incompetent but still possesses the ability to infect humans. I have been told to do the procedure in our tissue culture room (class 2 cabinets) and all the virus containing media, plasticware, pipettes and gloves are exposed to UV light for an hour afterwards and then autoclaved.

However I still find myself worrying about my health unfortunately. Am I being far too paranoid?

Thanks

it is not bad to be more cautious. you can do some regular inspetion if you really worried