For samples obtained from individuals diagnosed with, or at any risk of, an infection (e.g. SARS-CoV-2), additional precautions should be taken in accordance with your institute's regulations on biosafety. These include elimination of aerosol generating steps where possible (e.g., no vacuum aspiration), all steps prior to cell lysis should be carried out in a biosafety cabinet, including thermomixing and centrifugation where possible. When necessary, samples should only be removed from the biosafety cabinet in decontaminated and sealed secondary containment. Personal protective equipment including a gown, two pairs of non-sterile gloves, a protective surgical or N95 mask, and a face shield should be worn during sample processing.