What is the term for protecting personnel and the laboratory environment from infectious agents?

The term used for protecting personnel and the laboratory environment from infectious agents is primary containment. This level of containment focuses on the immediate safety measures that directly prevent the exposure of individuals and the facility to potentially harmful pathogens. Primary containment involves the use of specific practices, equipment, and facilities such as biological safety cabinets, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling procedures designed to restrict the escape of infectious materials.

By implementing these safety measures, laboratories can minimize the risk of infection or contamination not only to the laboratory staff but also to the environment. This principle is fundamental in biosafety and is crucial in laboratories that work with infectious biological agents, ensuring that exposure is limited right from the point of handling the materials.