Abu Dhabi rolls out mobile infectious diseases lab

Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has launched the UAE’s first mobile laboratory for testing infectious diseases.

The BSL-3 (Biosafety level 3) lab is equipped to handle highly infectious disease agents, including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and yellow fever.

Authorities said the laboratory will help enhance the emirate’s infectious disease preparedness through swift, safe and accurate testing of communicable diseases.

"This newly launched state-of-the-art mobile laboratory will offer swift and free testing to identify those exposed to viral infections and pathogens," said Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Executive Director of Infectious Diseases and Official Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector.

The mobile laboratory will be accessible across four sites in Abu Dhabi, including Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Al Rahba Hospital, Tawam Hospital, and Madinat Zayed Hospital.

All technicians who will be working inside the lab and handling high-threat level pathogens have undergone intense training by the manufacturer, and on-site safety training.

.@adphc_ae has launched the UAE’s first mobile laboratory dedicated to handling infectious diseases, offering testing, diagnostics and containment to protect public safety and enhance the emirate’s preparedness to control the spread of infectious diseases. pic.twitter.com/ticKFpqXbE

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) December 30, 2022