TYPES OF LABORATORIES

Explore Levels 1 – 5

Classes of Labs


Normally, laboratories are classified in two ways – by type of work and biosafety level. In addition, when it comes to ISL laboratories – which frequently fill regional or even national gaps in infrastructure – we find it helpful to classify them using two further features – operational scale and mobility.

Type of Work

These can include one or more themes such as: infectious disease, molecular ecology, or toxicology.

Mobility

The smaller the lab, the easier it is to pack. Portability of equipment is an important factor in designing ISL laboratories

Biosafety Levels

The biosecurity level that reflects human health risks associated with the type of sample and procedures in the lab.

Scale

Typically, new labs will begin at small scales, and have potential to grow depending on factors such as access to funding and involvement of increasing numbers of stakeholders.

5 ISL Laboratory Levels

By combining the factors above, we describe below the different laboratory levels to assist you in identifying where your lab currently stands, and where you would like it to be.

ISL LEVEL

DESCRIPTION

CONTEXT

APPLICATIONS

LIMITATIONS/GAINS

L1

The backpack- or briefcase-size portable lab weighing < 30kgRemote or constantly changing work site– Taxon DNA barcoding and disease screening
– Low-coverage genome sequencing
– Small-group workshops;
– Short-term project outlooks		– No sample storage
– Limited biosecurity options
– High per sample costs
– High contamination risks
– Data analysis bottlenecks
– Single projects

L2

A semi-permanent suitcase laboratory, transportable by vehicle, weighing 30-50kgShort-term work site, set-up in small room or tent for a period of time– All of the above, with higher sample throughput– All of the above

L3

A small laboratory, with 1-2 benchspacesPermanent work site, that can be remote– All of the above, with higher sample throughput
– Small-scale metabarcoding
– High-coverage genome sequencing
– (Optional) BSL-II level research projects
– Long-term project outlooks
– Medium-size group workshops;		– Minimal sample storage capacity
– Standard per sample costs
– Moderate contamination risks
– Data analysis bottlenecks
– Single project operation
– Permanent staffing challenges
– Complex reagents and materials procurement

L4

A mid-sized laboratory, with 3-5 benchspacesPermanent work site, that can be remote, urban or rural– All of the above, with significantly higher sample throughput (plate level analyses)
– BSL-II designated research
– Automated laboratory opportunities
– Biobanking (optional)
– Highly-multiplexed experiments		– Moderate biobanking capacity
– Permanent staffing challenges
– Complex reagents and materials procurement
– Reduced per sample costs
– Low contamination risks
– Improved analysis workflows
– Multi-project operation

L5

A large laboratory, with 5+ benchspacesPermanent work site, typically urban– All of the above, with significantly higher sample throughput
– BSL-II+ designated research		 – All of the above

Infrastructure and Logistics

Each ISL laboratory can also have a different set of constraints, requirements, and ultimately, budget.

 

ISL LEVEL

PORTABILITY

SAMPLE SCALE

ENERGY

BUDGET

L1

 High mobility, transported on foot ( < 30 kg) 1-8 portable / temporary US$3-10k

L2

 Moderate mobility, easily transported in vehicles (30>  < 50 kg) 8-24 temporary US$5-20k

L3

 None, but adaptable to nearly any location 24-96 Grid access and/or full or partial solar power US$20-100k

L4

 None, can function in semi-remote locations >96 Grid access and/or full or partial solar power + back-up source US$100-500k

L5

 Not portable >96 Permanent, reliable grid + back-up US$500k-1M

Coming Soon

----- Equipment list for different lab classes -----