Mobile BSL-3 ‘Laboratory on Wheels

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance

Why in news?

Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is expanding its fleet of Mobile Biosafety Level-3 (MBSL-3) laboratories to enhance India's response to disease outbreaks, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas.

• Mobile BSL-3 laboratory – Mobile Biosafety Level-3 (MBSL-3) is also known as RAMBAAN (Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Laboratory).
• Field‑deployable BSL‑3 lab – It is a fully indigenous, field-deployable laboratory designed for rapid diagnosis and investigation of high-risk pathogens like Nipah virus.
• First deployed – September 2023 during the onset of Nipah outbreak, Kozhikode, Kerala
• Development – It is developed under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
• Built in collaboration with Klenzaids Contamination Controls Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai.
• It is designed for operation in extreme temperatures and altitudes.

Key Features of Mobile BSL-3 Laboratory

• WHO classified as Type-IV Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory under the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.

As per WHO, laboratories are categorized into five types in that Type‑IV indicates a large‑scale, high‑capacity deployable diagnostic unit.

• Negative air pressure environment – The air is continuously extracted from the room through exhaust systems to contain pathogens.
• Advanced HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) – Maintains strict control over temperature, humidity, and air filtration.
• Double door autoclave – Safe decontamination of biological waste or lab equipment without breaking the containment barrier.
• Biological Liquid Effluent Decontamination (BLED) – Treats and neutralizes liquid waste generated inside the lab before disposal.

Significance

• It enhances on-site diagnostic capacity during outbreaks.
• it allows rapid detection of known and unknown high-risk pathogens.
• It strengthens India’s Advanced Augmented Network for outbreak response.
• It is ideal for deployment in remote or inaccessible regions.
• It ensures strict biosafety protocols and protection for healthcare personnel.

Reference

The Hindu| ICMR increasing mobile lab capacity