SYMPOSIUM TOPIC: Biological Threat Research Laboratory (BTRL): A Texas Tech University
Resource for Biological Safety Level 3 and/or Select Agent Biological Containment Research
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, 1 September 2015, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
LOCATION: TTU Research Park Conference Room
PURPOSE: The intent of this symposium is to bring together research scientists within the TTU System
(including TTU, TTUHSC, TTUHSC-El Paso, Angelo State University) that are or may be interested in expanding
their respective research capabilities to include biological agents requiring BSL-3 containment or select agent
program registered facilities. The BTRL is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Select
Agents and Toxins Program-registered BSL-3 high containment laboratory suite located on the Reese
Technology Center campus. Additionally, the BTRL is a CLIA certified high complexity testing facility. We will
discuss the various capabilities available to TTU researchers, as well as the administrative procedures and
biological safety aspects critical to working in the BTRL. Each attendee will receive a USB thumb drive
containing various documents of particular administrative and technical relevance to BSL-3 containment and
select agent work.
INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS [via USB Drive]:
 Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories [5th Ed.] (BMBL)
 7 CFR 331 — Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins
 9 CFR 121 — Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins
 42 CFR 73 — Select Agents and Toxins
AGENDA:
1:00pm Welcome
1:10 Purpose and Introduction of BTRL and Milk Lab Team
1:20 Overview of Select Agents and Toxins Regulations
1:35 Overview of CDC & USDA Select and Restricted Agents
1:50 Biological Safety: Protecting Personnel, Product and the Environment
2:10 Biological Safety: Shipping, Receiving and Maintaining Biological Hazards
2:30 Break
3:00 ONE HEALTH Integrated Research Initiative Opportunities
3:15 Opportunities for Conducting Select and Restricted Agent Research in the TTU BTRL
 Equipment, Technologies and Expertise Available
 Contracted Assays and Protocols (“turn-key” service including all supplies, equipment, technical
support)
 Contracted Lab Access & Equipment Use Periods (administrative and technical advisory support
only)
3:40 Gaining Access: Open Panel Discussion of the Process
 Project Assessment, Risk Assessment and Initial Planning
 Security Screening and Select and Restricted Agent Program Approvals
 Supplies Acquisition
 BSL-3 Policies, Practices and Procedures Training
 Operations and Responsibilities
4:30 Question and Answer Discussion
5:00pm Adjourn
For more information contact Dr. Steve Presley by telephone (806-885-0236) or email (steve.presley@ttu.edu)