General procedures for the inactivation of samples potentially infected with the Ebola virus

The document “General procedures for the inactivation of samples potentially infectious with Ebola virus” (PAHO/WHO, 2026) establishes technical guidelines for the safe handling of suspected clinical samples. Its objective is to reduce sample infectivity through inactivation processes, thereby enabling diagnostic analysis under safe conditions. It emphasizes that inactivation must be performed in BSL-3 containment laboratories, utilizing biosafety cabinets and trained personnel. Additionally, the document describes methods such as the use of chemical agents (guanidine, alcohol) and heat, aimed at preserving nucleic acid integrity for molecular diagnosis.