Performance of laboratory biosafety management by provincial health administrative departments in China

Objective To evaluate the performance of laboratory biosafety management by provincial health administrative departments in China, analyze problems involved and provide evidence for improvement of laboratory biosafety management in China. Methods Questionnaires for the evaluation of the performance of laboratory biosafety management by provincial health administrative departments in China were designed and published on the laboratory biosafety management module under the epidemiological data collection platform of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention for the related data collection. Results Among the 25 provincial health administrative departments which completed the questionnaires, 96% conducted laboratory biosafety management through their science and education divisions; 64% gave sufficient financial support for laboratory biosafety management; 72% established biosafety experts committees; 80% conducted the approval of bacteria (virus) strains/samples transport in provinces. Conclusion Laboratory biosafety management has been standardized and institutionalized in China, but problems and difficulties still exist. It is recommend to further attach importance to laboratory biosafety management, improve the management systems and regulations, and increase the awareness of laboratory biosafety.