MOBILE LAB

Mobile Laboratory: Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) with Biosafety Cabinet – III

Proximity and speed are critical for early detection of a potential outbreak as part of effective disease surveillance. One of the main objectives of our PACE-UP is to train, develop and deploy robust rapid response teams to assist in the event of a disease outbreak. A prerequisite for responding to such a situation is the inevitable need for a mobile laboratory, which is ideal for bringing diagnostic capabilities combined with point-of-care testing to hard-to-reach areas – from urban areas to remote locations – to help initiate early interventions. This unit is used for on-site surveillance and training purposes.

This mobile laboratory supports surveillance, diagnostics and early warning of disease outbreaks and enables rapid transmission of data for health systems to take intervention measures critical to controlling the spread of a disease with epidemic/pandemic potential. The mobile unit is equipped with advanced molecular diagnostic instruments, including PCR, real-time cyclers, advanced hematology analyzers, ONT platforms for next-generation sequencing, freezers (-30 deg. C) and refrigerators (4-7 deg. C), autoclaves and allied instruments for use in a laboratory.

Overview of the unit:

The mobile unit was designed and constructed by Germfree Inc., USA, for use as a BSL-2 laboratory in accordance with current NIH/CDC-BMBL and WHO requirements and guidelines. This unit is designed for field use and offers state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities with minimal biological risks. The vehicle was designed and manufactured in a van chassis with a high roof and extended driver’s cabin that meets the fuel, emissions and Ministry of Transport requirements of the destination country. This compact mobile unit can accommodate a small team of staff, enabling them to respond quickly and safely to incidents, and provides the user group with a safe working environment in the laboratory when used in conjunction with the correct operational and management procedures and protocols.

The van is divided into two areas: In the entrance/vestibule there is a folding workstation suitable for computer work or preparation/documentation and a safety level 2 laboratory, ample storage space, Class II biological safety cabinet, type A2, with Class III BSC with HEPA-filtered purge valve, outer cabinet and work surface are welded stainless steel with a pharmaceutical grade. High-capacity motor/blower system with speed control to extend HEPA filter life, Supply and exhaust HEPA filters are positioned parallel to the work area and to each other to prevent turbulence, 10-foot-long power cord with molded grounding plug. Designed to allow optional venting of exhaust air from biosafety cabinet to the outside. 3-door pass-through box to rear external compartment, lab interior and BSC. Allows materials to be moved to the laboratory or vice versa while maintaining containment. Locked doors ensure that the airlock is never open on more than one side at a time.