Hi, all,

I'm developing a lab exercise in one of my classes that will ask students to extract DNA from their own fecal samples. Ultimately, the goal is to introduce students to their own personal gut microbiomes. I am currently completing my IRB proposal and need to include an assessment of the risks and appropriate precautions for this activity. I have found a lot of guidance for processing fecal samples of others (essentially BSL2 controls) but none for students processing their own (which presumably poses substantially less risk). Does anyone have experience doing this anywhere else? Do you have recommendations for PPE? Are there any citable sources for risk assessments for this lab activity?

Thanks,

Mike