All laboratory technicians who work in the laboratory and handle high threat level pathogens are rigorously trained
Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC) has launched the first of its kind mobile BSL-3 (Biosafety Level 3) laboratory in Abu Dhabi. The mobile lab will be open at four locations in Abu Dhabi, including Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Al Rahba Hospital, Tawam Hospital and Madinat Zayed Hospital.
Equipped to handle highly contagious disease pathogens (Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Yellow Fever, etc.), the BSL-3 mobile laboratory will enhance infectious disease preparedness in the UAE capital through rapid, safe and accurate infectious disease testing .
All laboratory technicians who work in the laboratory and handle high threat level pathogens have received intensive manufacturer training and on-site safety training to operate safely in the laboratory. Additionally, the SKMC Biosafety and Quality team will oversee the biosafety and quality aspects.
Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director General of ADPHC, said that the launch of the mobile BSL-3 laboratory at the emirate level will enhance the readiness of the UAE capital to respond, contain and investigate infectious diseases and realize the centre’s vision of a healthy and safe community.
Dr Farida Al Hosani, Executive Director of Infectious Diseases and Official Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, said: “This newly launched state-of-the-art mobile laboratory will provide rapid and free testing to identify those exposed to viral infections and pathogens. Abu Dhabi better equipped and prepared to adequately respond to any public health threat the community faces.”
Saeed Jaber Al Kuwaiti, Group Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), said: “As healthcare leaders, the responsibility to ensure public safety in times of infectious disease outbreaks falls on our shoulders. The mobile BSL-3 laboratory was launched by What ADPHC has launched is a landmark step in further strengthening the UAE’s infectious disease preparedness.”
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In the event of an outbreak, the Abu Dhabi Reference Laboratory for Infectious Diseases (RLID-AD) (surveillance laboratory) will mobilize mobile laboratories to augment the emirate’s current capacity for screening and diagnosis of infectious diseases.
The BSL-3 mobile laboratory has been designed in compliance with international best practices. Biosafety at the Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratory (BMBL) ensures that any infectious material is properly controlled and has been accredited and commissioned to ensure compliance with standards.