BSL-3 Laboratory at UC Riverside School of Medicine Undergoes $2M Facelift

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – BNBuilders has recently completed the remodel of UC Riverside School of Medicine Biosafety Level 3. This $2-million project involved converting an existing laboratory space into a BSL-3 Suite for faculty research programs.

At UC Riverside’s School of Medicine, selective demolition of existing laboratory space and infrastructure in an occupied building was completed. New procedure rooms and research space with new dedicated mechanical systems were constructed. The 1,383-square-foot remodel included an anteroom, gowning/de-gowning room, shower area,
procedure rooms, an autoclave, biosafety cabinets and other specialized equipment.

BNBuilders also ensured the laboratory met BSL-3 specifications to ensure appropriate containment of dangerous biological agents. BSL-3 laboratories must be behind two sets of self-closing doors, and any seams in the floors, walls, windows and ceilings must be sealed to prevent any microbes from leaving the suite and for easy cleaning and decontamination. The ventilation system must also force clean air into the lab where infectious agents are handled, and air from inside the laboratory must be filtered before it can be exhausted back into the atmosphere. BSL-3 is commonly assigned to facilities that work with tuberculosis, SARS, yellow fever and West Nile virus.