Findings on ABSL-3 facility utilization and program adaptability

Repurposing underutilized ABSL-3 space is an attractive option for creating industry partnerships and increasing revenue, but there are easily overlooked facility, equipment, and operating requirements that will determine success. Hannah Walker sets out University of Georgia’s lessons learned on real-world facility adaptability from retrofitting an ABSL-3 lab for industry use including findings on construction, utilities, sample handling, and space allocations for anterooms and showers. She illustrates what an all-in cost/benefit analysis looks like factoring in capital and operating costs, and when this type of initiative actually makes sense for all stakeholders.