Human T-lymphotropic virus type 3 (HLTV-3) is the etiologic agent of AIDS and AIDS-related complex. Casual contact with any of the body fluids in which the virus has been found has not been reported to be the cause of transmission of the AIDS virus. Destroying the virus on laboratory surfaces requires only ordinary bleach solutions or 70-percent alcohol. The virus is also susceptible to high heat. CDC recommends the use of biosafety level 2 practices, containment equipment, and facilities when working with any known or potentially infectious body fluid and tissues. Additional containment equipment and special research activities require biosafety level 3 practices. Forensic laboratories use many unique techniques requiring particular precautions. In addition, special authorization is required for the FBI laboratory to accept evidence involving known AIDS cases. Although the possibility of infection is remote, it exists and requires careful procedures. 35 references.