This section details our facility infrastructure and equipment.
Esta sección detalla la infraestructura y equipamiento de nuestro laboratorio.
Laboratory description
Work on version 2.0 of the Viral & Human Genomics Lab was initiated on Dec
2014 and completed by July 2015. The Viral and Human Genomics Lab is currently
located on the first level of building D of UASLP's Faculty of Medicine. It
occupies what used to be the Experimental Surgery lab and the forefront of
what is stil the experimental animal housing facility. |
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Students cubicle
A study area is provided for each student along with personal iMac equipped
workstations and all office facilities. A kitchenette is also available to
allow personnel to store and prepare lunch, coffee or tea. |
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Lab manager and principal investigator offices
Lab manager and principal investigator offices are located on site and
inside the lab so as to ensure close work supervision and access control.
Lab manager has unobstructed view of both access door and CCTV screen. |
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Main lab
Main lab houses both pre-PCR and post-PCR areas, main chemical reagent storage,
refrigerators and ultra-low freezers. This area is intended for biosafety
level 2 (BSL2) work including DNA extractions, sample preparation, PCR
setup, DNA amplification and electrophoretic analysis. |
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RT-PCR area
Physical segregation of molecular biology areas is important to provide
protection from PCR-product contamination. Pre- and Post-PCR areas are
separated in the main lab. Similarly, RT-PCR preparation area is physically
separated from other areas of the lab to ensure further protection. |
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Cell biology area
For work with bacterial and human cell cultures of low-biological risk, a
physically segregated clean room equipped with a Type 2 Class 2 biological
safety cabinet, cell counter, microscope, autoclave and bacteriological
incubator is available. |
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Biocontainment area
Previous work with both blood-borne pathogens (such as HCV, HIV and HBV)
and with respiratory pathogens (such as pandemic and seasonal influenzavirus)
have been restricted to low-risk procedures given technical limitations having
to do with available biosafety level engineering.
Lab version 3.0 incorporates novel engineering controls which allow for work
these and exotic viral pathogens with greater biosafety. These controls include
epoxy coated walls, floors and ceilings, the use of a special air handling unit
to provide directional airflow, HEPA filtration and negative pressure, the
establishment of stricter access controls and adoption of novel biosafety
protocols, guidelines, equipment and discipline throughout. |
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Enhanced BSL2 upgrade (laboratory v3.0, 2016)
During 2015 our laboratory was awarded an infrastructure grant by the Mexican
National Science and Technology Council (CONACYT “Apoyo complementario 2015
para infraestructura relacionada con seguridad, bioseguridad y certificación
de laboratorios” grant number 264326) which allowed us to upgrade laboratory
instrumentation, facility engineering and laboratory instruments and equipment.
This upgrade has enabled us to pursue novel research interests such as work with
wild bat and rodent viruses like rabies, hantavirus and cornavirus as well as
with arthorpod-borne virus (arbovirus) such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya.
A main aspect of this upgrade revolved around providing biosafety and biosecurity
for biospecimens and personnel. Some of these features are further explained below.
As suggested by the CDC's manual on Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical
Laboratories, facility design and construction (Secondary barriers) contribute
to the protection of laboratory personnel to persons outside the laboratory, and
to the community sorrounding the laboratory from accidental release of the agents
being manipulated within. An important laboratory feature which is recommended for
BSL2 laboratories and a requirement for BSL3 laboratories is electronic access control.
At our lab, laboratory doors are self-closing and have electronic locks which restrict
access to only authorized personnel. |
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Infrastructure Upgrade (laboratory v4.0, 2019)
During 2019 our laboratory received a grant from the Mexican National Science
and Technology Council (CONACYT "Apoyos para Adquisición y Mantenimiento de
Infraestructura en Instituciones y Laboratorios de Investigación Especializada"
Grant number 299608). The main objetive of this grant was to allow us to
increase molecular processing and storage of samples through the acquisition
of two new ultra-low freezers, four end-point thermal cyclers and a new nanodrop
spectrophotometer; as well as to encourage work in new research interests and
methods by providing novel onsite tools such as an epifluorescence microscope
and portable real-time thermal cycler. |
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Multimedia tour and resources
Take a virtual tour
through our new (version 2.0, 2016) facilities |