The Challenge

World BioHazTec was selected as the consultant for designing and commissioning the institution’s first high containment laboratory, marking a significant milestone in advancing research and disease control capabilities. The goal was to build a lab capable of safely handling highly infectious agents, protecting public health professionals and the broader community. The project aimed to expand Colombia’s laboratory capacity to address global health challenges, setting the stage for cutting-edge research and response efforts.

The Solution

World BioHazTec’s team of experts ensured the newly constructed laboratory met all required specifications, safety standards, and functional needs before becoming fully operational. The commissioning process was complex and included numerous discussions with users and builders to ensure that every aspect of the facility met stringent safety standards. These discussions focused on balancing user requirements with the technical specifications needed for BSL-2 and BSL-3 standards.

Collaboration between engineers, architects, public health officials, and laboratory managers was crucial in ensuring the laboratory’s design met both safety and functional requirements.

The Result

In 2023, World BioHazTec successfully commissioned the laboratory, which stands as a prime example of how our expertise in commissioning and design can create state-of-the-art facilities for public health in any location. This high containment laboratory is not only the first of its kind for the Secretaría Distrital de Salud de Bogotá, but also one of the first public health laboratories commissioned in Colombia. The completion of this pioneering project has significantly enhanced the institution’s capacity and set a new standard for laboratory commissioning across the country, contributing to the advancement of public health infrastructure in Colombia.