A major breach of biosecurity protocol at a state-run Queensland laboratory has resulted in nearly 100 live samples of the deadly Hendra virus and hundreds more of other potentially deadly viruses going missing. An investigation has been launched after it was revealed that 323 virus samples went missing from the Virology Laboratory in 2021.
The breach occurred when a freezer storing the samples broke down, leading to concerns that the materials may have been removed or destroyed without proper paperwork being completed. Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said the risk to the community is very low, as viruses would degrade rapidly outside a low-temperature freezer and become non-infectious.
The investigation, led by former Supreme Court Justice Martin Daubney, will consider the management of public sector health services in the laboratory and analyze internal policies and guidelines on how virus samples are kept. Recommendations will be made in a report to be delivered to the health department by June 30 this year.
The missing materials include fragmented samples of lyssavirus, another potentially deadly disease similar to the rabies virus. Infectious Diseases expert Dr Paul Griffin said a breach in the storage of such dangerous viruses shouldn’t be possible and that laboratories should have robust systems and processes in place.
A review will also examine how virus samples are kept in labs, with the public’s faith in these laboratories being a key concern. The investigation comes as thousands of DNA samples are being re-tested after historical flaws were uncovered in another state-run Forensic Science Queensland lab.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-09/queensland-lab-breach-missing-vials-virus-health/104701198