Modeling the Effects of Routine Screening for Accidental Lab-Acquired Infections on the Risk of Potential Pandemic Pathogen Escape from High-Biosafety Research Facilities

This modeling study evaluates whether routine screening protocols for accidental laboratory-acquired infections can reduce the risk of pathogen escape from high-biosafety research facilities. Using epidemiological and operational models, the authors assess how screening frequency, detection timing, and containment measures influence the probability of onward transmission of potential pandemic pathogens. The findings suggest that systematic screening and rapid detection protocols can substantially reduce biosafety risks and improve preparedness for high-containment biological research.