Benchmark Biolabs Approved For BSL-3 Activities At Nebraska Facility

Lincoln, NE - Benchmark Biolabs, Inc., announced approval by the National Center for Import and Export (NCIE) for Biosafety Level 3-Ag (BSL-3) status at its Nebraska clinical facility. The approval expands Benchmark's array of clinical and laboratory services for corporate clients in the animal health and life science industries. NCIE requires BSL-3 status for research involving certain infectious agents, including avian influenza.

Biosafety Level 3-Ag status is required for clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research or production facilities where work is done with microorganisms that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease as a result of respiratory tract exposure. Laboratory personnel are specifically trained in properly handling pathogenic agents. All procedures are supervised by competent scientists with direct experience working with these agents safely.

For procedures involving manipulation of infectious materials, scientists conduct procedures within biological safety cabinets or other containment devices. Personnel wear protective clothing and equipment, and the laboratory includes special engineering and design features to ensure microorganisms are contained within the facility.

According to Bill Davies, Benchmark founder and CEO, "The BSL-3 approval recognizes Benchmark's facilities, personnel and procedures have the experience and expertise to work safely with and contain pathogenic agents."

There are very few BSL-3 approved facilities within North America, a deficit which has impeded research efforts aimed at addressing important infectious disease threats, including avian influenza.

Davies added, "Benchmark's decision to build, staff and operate a BSL-3 facility is in response to corporate and government customers' need for increasingly sophisticated solutions to infectious disease threats. We're excited to expand our ability to serve our customers with research that will make great strides in the animal and life sciences industry."

SOURCE: Benchmark Biolabs