Main Content

Recombinant DNA Biohazards

Manipulation or propagation of recombinant DNA must be done in accordance with the current National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules.

Supervisors must consult the NIH guidelines to determine whether or not their activities are covered by the guidelines and, if so, what biosafety level is required for either in vitro manipulation of recombinant DNA or its in vivo propagation in living cells and organisms, including transgenic animals.

UMMC requires IBC registration of all non-exempt recombinant DNA experiments.  A description of non-exempt and exempt recombinant DNA experiments is located in Section III of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules.  When applicable, the IBC will assist in acquiring approval from higher authorities such as the NIH Office of Recombinant DNA Activities.