New mobile laboratory of the FLI: faster against outbreaks of illness!

New mobile laboratory of the FLI: faster against outbreaks of illness!

Insel Riems, Deutschland - Currently there are exciting developments on the island of Riems in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) tests an innovative prototype of a mobile laboratory. This laboratory, which will be put through its paces by next Friday, is not only a technical highlight, but also an important step for diagnostics high -containing pathogens. It is an all-wheel drive truck produced in Estonia, which is equipped with the latest technology and should enable the direct examination of samples in the event of inexplicable outbursts of illness, whether in people, animals or in our environment. According to NDR, former mobile laboratories were already successful in Africa at Ebola, Corona and MPOX outbursts used.

What makes this new prototype so special? Compared to older laboratory trucks, which were cumbersome and difficult to access with 30 to 40 tons, the new model is smaller and off-road. The laboratory area can be expanded by extendable side walls and is optimally designed for the requirements of current diseases. This project called "Mobilise" is funded by the EU and coordinated by the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg.

a holistic approach to health

The mobile research goals are clearly outlined: it is not just about diagnostics, but also about the development of a mobile laboratory for the on -site diagnosis and characterization of newly performing highly pathogenic pathogens in Europe. Climate change and globalization create challenges that we cannot ignore. High temperatures and the occurrence of arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks make it necessary for us to be ready for outbreaks of diseases such as the crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever or the West Nil virus. [Fli] (https://www.fli.de/en/instituten/Institut-fuer-neue-und-neuigige-teuchenerreger-innt/projekte/Research-projects-single -View/Mobilise-a-Novel-and-Green-Mobile-One-One-Laboratory-for-Re-Emererging-InfectiOUS-OUTBREAKS-SHORT-TITLE-MOBILISE/) emphasizes that the one-health approach, in which the health of humans, animals and the environment is viewed as a unit, plays a central role here.

A mobile laboratory approach is particularly important in regions with limited transport routes or without high -security laboratories. From now on, local authorities and first aiders can work more efficiently because the laboratory is equipped with modern molecular biological, serological and microbiological techniques. The first test run took place in Austria and Germany, and the next step will include tests in Greece and East Africa. However, further operating permits are still necessary before the mobile laboratory can be used, as the [Medlab Portal] (https://medlabportal.de/mobilise-Deutschland-tetet--labor-fuer-die-Diagnostik-von-Hochpathogenen-erregern/).

technological refinements and sustainability

The heart of the new prototype is a compact, off-road all-wheel drive truck that was designed in such a way that it operates under constant negative pressure. Added and exhaust air are regulated via bacterial and vir density filters to ensure the highest security standards. Waste is also autoclaved, which ensures protection for the employees and the surrounding area.

Another plus: The energy supply is supported by sustainable technologies such as solar cells, batteries and planned wind power. In addition, a small generator for emergencies can be integrated. This approach ensures that the laboratory not only works efficiently, but also environmentally friendly. according to the [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern/riems-friedrich-loeffler-institut-tet-mobor ,MvregioGSwald3478.html) is the goal, the global To improve health security by containing outbursts faster, especially in remote regions.

If everything goes according to plan, this mobile laboratory could soon become an indispensable tool in the fight against newly occurring infections. So it remains exciting how the tests develop and what possible uses result.