A first-of-its-kind Mobile Molecular Testing Laboratory capable of force protection, rapid diagnostics, epidemiology, and preventive medicine will soon emerge from the Pierce Mfg. assembly line.

Built under an Air Force contract with Vital Probes Inc. of May-field, Pa., the MMTL is a completely deployable 31-foot vehicle that will contain Biosafety Level 2 and 3 zones and the latest and most advanced technology for testing, containment and transport.

When complete later this year, the unit will first be put into service at Brooks City Base, San Antonio.

Most current military and homeland security emergency response protocols require collection of samples, which then are processed, analyzed and identified at off-site laboratories. This procedure not only inhibits rapid identification and mitigation, it poses safety issues involving transport of suspect agents.

The mobile lab unit is designed to allow both culturing and molecular analysis of agents on-site. This early detection should result more rapid population evacuation, containment and deployment of treatment protocols.

Each laboratory will be equipped with state-of-the-art scientific gear for rapid detection and identification of suspect agents, including tests and equipment for polymerase chain reaction, protein, and bead-based immuno assays.

Each vehicle, which can be customized to meet the particular needs of each customer, also will contain communications equipment to provide a link between personnel working in the unit and experts around the world who specialize in select agents.

MMTL development began three years ago under the direction of Vital Probes President and CEO Vito DelVecchio, Ph.D., who has extensive experience in the design and construction of BSL-3 facilities, as well as training of personnel in the proper use of such laboratories. He is also an expert on select biological agents including the design of rapid identification tests for such agents.