Strengthening global health security with BSL 3 mobile laboratories | Part 2
Biosafety level 3 laboratories are critical elements of any well-prepared and resilient health system. They enable infectious disease research, public health protection, and biodefense against potential bioterrorism threats.
In the earlier section of this blog, we explored the context within which BSL-3 biocontainment labs operate. Now, let’s dive into the features that allow a facility to be designated as BSL-3.
BSL-3 biocontainment lab features.
To be designated as biosafety level 3, laboratories must meet certain requirements relating to laboratory practices, safety equipment, facility design, waste management, emergency preparedness, and monitoring and maintenance.
Lab practices. BSL-3 labs have strict protocols in place to prevent contamination or accidental exposure. These protocols include access control, with only authorized personnel being permitted to enter the lab, that too only by passing through multiple security layers. The people with access to the facility also undergo routine health monitoring to ensure they aren’t infected with the pathogens they work with. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and rigorous training for all aspects of their work—handling pathogens, emergency responses, waste management, etc.—ensure that personnel are well-equipped to work in the high-risk environment of BSL-3 biocontainment labs.
Safety equipment. The equipment in biosafety level 3 laboratories must be designed to contain the spread of pathogens to protect researchers and the surrounding communities and environment. BSL-3-appropriate safety equipment includes biosafety cabinets (BSCs). All research involving pathogens with potential for airborne transmission is conducted in certified BSCs. Moreover, personnel working in BSL-3 labs must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including goggles, gloves, gowns, and appropriate respirators. Finally, BSL-3 labs use decontamination tools like autoclaves and incinerators to sterilize equipment as well as waste materials.
Facility design. In terms of physical space, BSL-3 facilities have a predetermined directional airflow. This means that air flows from clean areas towards contaminated areas. This air is filtered through HEPA filters to protect the external environment but it isn’t recirculated within the facility. Additional safety features include double-door entry, sealed construction, and hands-free sinks and eyewash stations.
Waste management. What happens to the waste from the facility is as important as what happens to the materials entering the facility. Waste from BSL-3 biocontainment labs is sterilized using an incinerator or autoclave. Pathogens are inactivated so that they pose no health and safety risks. And infectious waste is stored securely until it can be processed safely.
Emergency preparedness. In case any leak, spill or other hazard does occur, BSL-3 biocontainment labs are prepared to handle the situation. They have spill response kits at the ready. They have redundant systems i.e. backup supplies for air filtration, power generation, etc. to make sure that the facility and its safety equipment remain operational in times of emergency or crisis. Not to mention regular safety drills so that personnel remain prepared.
Finally, monitoring and maintenance. Once a BSL-3 lab is up and running, it undergoes regular inspections to make sure that all systems are in order and there is no wear-and-tear that poses safety risks. Routine tests are conducted to check HEPA filters, BSCs, autoclaves, and other equipment. The results of these regular assessments must also be appropriately documented for quality assurance and compliance.
The role of BSL-3 mobile laboratories in global health security.
Our world today is inextricably interconnected. Threats in one part of the world can quickly be transmitted to other regions if appropriate safety protocols are not in place. The rapid spread of Covid-19 around the world is clear evidence of this.
Biosafety level 3 laboratories already play an important role in minimising these threats. But expanding the reach of these facilities is critical to strengthening global health security, especially in the face of emerging infectious disease threats.
BSL-3 mobile laboratories have become increasingly popular in recent years. These facilities bring together the rigorous safety standards of BSL-3 biocontainment labs and the flexibility of a mobile unit. Typically housed within custom-built shipping containers or trailers and transported via air, road or sea, they can be deployed wherever needed – even in infrastructure- and resource-scarce regions.
BSL-3 mobile laboratories enable health professionals and researchers to bring advanced biocontainment capabilities to the regions that most need them, especially during times of crisis. For instance, during a potential or active outbreak, BSL-3 mobile laboratories can accelerate diagnosis and research into the pathogen of interest by bringing high-safety facilities close to the source of the outbreak. They can conduct on-site studies, eliminating the time and risks that would have otherwise resulted from transporting biological samples. Mobile BSL-3 laboratories also enable near real-time response to epidemics. From sequencing the genomes of pathogens to developing diagnostic tools and treatments, there’s nothing researchers cannot do when they have access to a well-equipped mobile BSL-3 lab.
These are some of the important functionalities of BSL-3 mobile laboratories which aid the mission of global health security:
- In outbreak regions, the BSCs of mobile BSL-3 labs enable the safe handling of infectious agents.
- The ultra-low temperature storage facilities of BSL-3 biocontainment labs allow global health professionals to preserve reagents and samples of interest.
- The local deployment of biosafety level 3 laboratories enables on-site analysis and reduces the risks of sample degradation that occurs during transport.
- Finally, real-time PCR tests at BSL-3 facilities allow for swift pathogen identification and study.
But it isn’t only during an outbreak that BSL-3 mobile laboratories are of use. They are also of incredible importance before an active outbreak. The global health community is increasingly becoming cognizant of the role of biosafe mobile labs in pandemic preparedness and response.
- BSL-3 mobile laboratories are critical elements of early warning systems. If deployed in high-risk regions which don’t already have disease surveillance capabilities, they can significantly improve the chances of detecting novel pathogens before they become an epidemic or pandemic risk.
- In the case that a pandemic potential pathogen is discovered, BSL-3 mobile laboratories allow for a quick response. These mobile units can be rapidly deployed in emerging hotspots for on-site diagnosis. Through immediate testing and confirmation, they can help health professionals to effectively initiate containment measures and develop other epidemiological interventions.
- BSL-3 mobile laboratories also offer unparalleled agility in outbreak response. As the on-ground needs of a situation evolve, the adaptability of BSl-3 mobile laboratories keeps frontline professionals equipped to deal with a range of possibilities.
If they are to be effective in strengthening global health security, BSL-3 mobile laboratories must be even more meticulously designed, transported and used than traditional BSL-3 labs. With their mobility, they pose the risk of carrying infectious pathogens on-site. This is why you need BSL laboratory manufacturers who are trusted and credible players in the industry.
At PodTech™, our team has decades of cumulative experience in the field of biopharma manufacturing. Our BSL laboratories are designed based on an initial analysis of risk factors, safety, and reliability – we take into consideration not only your requirements as a client but also the requirements of the location, the microorganism of interest, and local compliances.
Our certified technicians and in-house equipment manufacturing allow us to control quality across the production process, giving us an edge over the competition. With support through installation, validation and maintenance, we guarantee you a durable, high-quality BSL-3 mobile laboratory no matter where your project site is.
With our BSL-3 mobile laboratories, true global health security is no longer a pipe dream. Wherever in the world you are, we can help you build a path to regional self-sufficiency. Come, change the world with us.