Pa. Biodefense Lab Faces Further Delays

The opening of a biodefense laboratory in Allegheny County, Pa., has been delayed again by additional technical problems, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported yesterday (see GSN, Jan. 11).

Operations at the $5.6 million facility are on hold indefinitely until a ventilation system glitch can be fixed. The system would prevent potentially lethal disease material from escaping the facility.

“There's a variety of issues, the most serious dealing with the negative air pressure ventilation system for the Level 3 laboratory where the most serious pathogens will be tested,” said county Health Department chief Bruce Dixon. “I hope it's fixable. A lot of money has been invested. I think we're making progress but it's been a slow and arduous process.”

Other issues holding up work at the site include replacement of a door, implementation of a training program on laboratory maintenance and the requirement for federal certification.

The Biosafety Level 3 facility was completed in late 2007 and features ventilation systems, equipment and safety technology allowing for research on anthrax, plague and other potential bioterrorism agents. Its focus is expected to be on infectious disease testing.

The project has faced a series of obstacles since its inception in 2002, including withdrawal of $500,000 in federal funding and a water line that had to be replaced early this year. ....