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.
DEPLOYMENT OF THE MOBILE LABORATORY
17.11.2025: Mobile Laboratory Deployment to Thai Nguyen
On the 17th of November, our mobile laboratory team deployed to Thai Nguyen, to conduct a surveillance study on enteric and respiratory viruses among ethnic minority communities in Định Hóa. Particular focus was on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and their zoonotic potential. Symptomatic patients were screened for a range of enteric and respiratory pathogens to better understand infection patterns. In addition, surveys were conducted to assess risk factors such as food habits, hygiene practices and health-seeking behaviours. A KABP questionnaire was also administered to evaluate participants’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices related to infectious diseases, providing important insights for public health interventions.







03.11 – 07.11.2025: Mobile Laboratory Deployment to Cao Bang
From November 3rd – 7th, our mobile laboratory team deployed to Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bang in northern Vietnam as part of the community outreach program of the 108 Military Central Hospital. Over three days, our mobile laboratory provided diagnostic services to support free medical check-ups to more than 1,000 people from remote communities. In addition to blood and respiratory swab samples, we gathered critical data on symptoms, risk factors, and health-seeking behaviors among patients as well as administering a KABP survey on infectious diseases in Vietnam.





17.10 – 18.10.2025: VG-CARE participates in the Deutschland Fest 2025 in Hanoi
From Friday 17th to Saturday 18th of October, VG-CARE participated in the Deutschland Fest 2025 at the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi to join in the celebrations of 50 years of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic relations (1975-2025). Among nearly 40 participating German organisations and enterprises, VG-CARE showcased it’s contributions to research in infectious diseases and its state-of-the-art Mobile Laboratory, offering a platform for all to interactively experience infectious disease research and outbreak response. Equipped with BSL-III cabinet and next-generation sequencing technology, the Mobile Lab highlighted the joint commitment to infectious disease research, surveillance, outbreak preparedness and control across Vietnam and ASEAN.







30.06.2025: VG-CARE Mobile Laboratory Engages with Vietnamese Youth at the Career Truck Event of the German Embassy in Nghe An
On June 30th, 2025, the VG-CARE Mobile Laboratory joined the Career Truck of the German Embassy in Nghe An for an exciting one-day event packed with interactive science, information, career inspiration, and intercultural exchange.
Set up alongside the Career Truck at the Nghee An Labor Cultural House, the mobile lab featured lab tours with real equipment, microscope demos using common parasites, fluorescent handwashing station to teach hygiene through science and a bilingual KABP survey supported by amazing student volunteers from local universities (ie. Vinh Medical University).









FURTHER PICTURES
CONTACT IN ASIA
Ms. Salome Steinke
- 1, Tran Hung Dao, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi, Vietnam
- 0084(0)984684908
- salome.steinke@vgcare.org
CONTACT IN EUROPE
Dr. Alexa Purgreth
- Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- 0049(0)70712982905
- alexa.purgreth@klinikum.uni-tuebingen.de
