Current status of BSL-3 laboratory construction and management in China’s CDC system

Objectives To understand the current status of biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory construction and managementin in centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) system in China, and provide recommendations for to strengthen biosafety governance.

Methods Data on BSL-3 laboratory construction were collected through telephone interviews and questionnaire survey. Laboratories conducting experimental activities were selected for on-site assessments to evaluate operational conditions and discuss existing issues and challenges. All the collected data were systematically summarized and analyzed.

Results In the 20 operational BSL-3 laboratories, 65.54% of staff were experimental operators. Eighteen pathogenic microorganisms were approved for use. Over half of the laboratories (55.00%) had a annual operation for more than 100 days, and 30.00% had resource-sharing or collaborative activities. Major problems included insufficiently targeted risk assessment reports, non-standardized experimental procedures, and incomplete or unclear records of experimental activities and strain/toxin storage. In addition, inadequate maintenance funding and insufficient staff biosafety risk awareness existed.

Conclusions By 2024, BSL-3 laboratories in the CDC system had achieved nationwide coverage in China. However, deficiencies in construction and operation remain. Strengthened coordination between national and local authorities is needed to improve laboratory management and promote standardized and high-quality operation of BSL-3 laboratories, thereby enabling them as a strategic resource platform for national biosafety.