BSL-3 laboratory – A unique Austrian lab infrastructure at BBMRI.at partner Med Uni Graz – is ready for research

The biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory is part of the unique lab infrastructure at the Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology at the Medical University of Graz. It consists of a laboratory and an autopsy area and allows to perform autopsies, rapid section diagnostics and sample preparation for molecular diagnostics of pathogens and research, and other techniques such as cell culture.

“This BSL-3 lab allows us to work with microorganisms and viruses that can cause serious illnesses and epidemics as is currently the case with SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for the COVID-19 disease,” says Kurt Zatloukal of the Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology at Med Uni Graz and BBMRI.at National Node Director. For autopsies, a BSL-3 laboratory is mandatory according to national and international guidelines (such as those by the CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention), WHO (World Health Organization) or the Styrian epidemic plan.

Research partnerships to test potential drugs for SARS-CoV-2 are currently being planned with the Medical University of Vienna and highly innovative companies. “Furthermore, the lab is being used to improve diagnostic analysis along with leading diagnostic manufacturers and smaller companies and to participate in EU programs to combat COVID-19,” concludes Kurt Zatloukal.