Success Stories

Michigan State University, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State University (MSU), Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, a service unit in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a full-service, fully accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory for all species. This state-of-the-art facility is a critical first line of defense in safeguarding Michigan domestic animals and wildlife from deadly diseases including foreign animal diseases, in alerting public health officials to the presence of diseases transmissible from animals to humans, and in partnering with State and Federal agencies to monitor and prepare to respond if needed to terrorist threats that may impact animal or human health. MSU operates BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities and is a member of key federal networks created to enhance the nation’s ability to respond quickly to an animal disease outbreak.

exterior of the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
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The Challenge

MSU was seeking to expand its BSL-3/ABSL-3 research facility. MSU’s BSL-3 and ABSL-3 research is currently carried out at the University Research Containment Facility (URCF). Available space for expansion of the BSL-3 and ABSL-3 at the URCF is limited with some drawbacks. MSU needed to determine if other site locations were more suitable for the expansion of the MSU infectious diseases research facilities.

The Solution

World BioHazTec Subject Matter Experts (SME) conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the other site locations and determine if they were more suitable for the expansion of the MSU infectious diseases research facilities. We worked with their Site Selection Working Group to collect program information and identify the project goals of the University. We participated in a two-day site visit for firsthand evaluation. Factors that were considered for the possible sites were:

  • Biosecurity of a CDC/APHIS Federal Select Agent Program.
  • Minimum disruption of the current BSL-3 and ABSL-3 research.
  • Minimum disruption of other services provided by MSU.
  • Equitable access for all students.
  • Possible future regulatory changes requiring shower-out protocols.
  • Efficient layout.
  • Minimal interruption of surrounding occupied spaces (around, below, and adjacent).
  • Constructability.
  • Lower construction cost.
  • Ease of maintenance.

The Result

Utilizing data from on-site observations and collaborative meetings, our team evaluated each potential laboratory site proposed by MSU. Following our assessment, we delivered to MSU a comprehensive Feasibility Study Report of Findings. This report not only outlined MSU’s project objectives but also provided a detailed review and assessment of each of the three candidate sites.

Our findings were presented with a recommendation for the most suitable site, carefully balancing project goals with cost considerations. To further support MSU in their decision-making process, the report concluded with a conceptual design for the laboratory renovation, accompanied by a detailed construction estimate. This holistic approach ensured that MSU had all the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their laboratory project.

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