Climate change, emerging diseases, and increased pathogen risks are pushing Europe to rethink how we respond to outbreaks. The EU Mobile Laboratory, developed through the MOBILISE project (ID: 101073982), is a container-based mobile diagnostic unit providing on-site testing for human, animal, and environmental samples. Designed for rapid deployment and capable of detecting high-risk pathogens, it represents a significant step forward for public health preparedness in Europe.
Table of Contents:
- Meeting the Challenge
- How the Lab Works
- Green by Design
- One Health Integration
- Rapid Testing
- National Workflows
- Coordination Platform
- Field Deployment
- Key Benefits
- Get Involved
Meeting the Challenge: A Mobile EU Laboratory for Today’s Threats
Europe faces growing challenges in detecting and managing outbreaks caused by a wide range of infectious diseases. These include zoonotic viruses, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and pathogens that spread via environmental sources. Current lab systems often fall short, especially in remote regions or where quick, coordinated action is needed.
The EU Mobile Lab addresses these challenges. Built on a green, energy-efficient truck platform, it can quickly travel to outbreak zones and deliver full diagnostic capabilities on site. It follows a One Health approach by analyzing samples from people, animals, and the environment, a crucial step for managing zoonotic and environmental threats.
How the EU Mobile Laboratory Works
This high-tech lab is more than a truck. It includes:
- BSL-3 lab space with advanced biosafety features
- A Level 2 biosafety cabinet and sealed glovebox
- Optimized zones for sample flow and safety
- Molecular diagnostics, rapid tests, sequencing, and microbiology
- Temperature-controlled storage for reagents and samples
It also includes an expandable 36m² workspace and a 16m² tent with negative pressure for animal subsampling. The layout ensures fast, safe, and efficient workflows, even in harsh field conditions.
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ALT: Rear view of EU Mobile Laboratory with expandable modules and biosafety lab entrance
Green by Design
Unlike older mobile units, this laboratory was engineered for sustainability. Its power systems rely on solar, wind, and battery storage, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring energy independence in remote settings. It also features:
- Low-energy devices
- Reusable materials
- Modular structures for extended use
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ALT: Green-powered Mobile EU Laboratory equipped with solar panels for sustainable outbreak response
Full One Health Integration
The lab analyzes human, animal, and environmental samples — essential for modern outbreak management. Without this full-spectrum approach, early warning signals from animal reservoirs or environmental contamination could be missed. The mobile lab solves this by:
- Identifying zoonotic spillovers early
- Supporting veterinary and ecological surveillance
- Bridging gaps between sectors during outbreaks
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ALT: Mobile EU Lab set up for field diagnostics in line with One Health principles
Innovation in Action: Rapid Test for West Nile Virus (WNV)
One example of MOBILISE’s innovation is a rapid diagnostic test for West Nile Virus using lateral flow devices (LFDs). The test:
- Detects nucleic acids of WNV with high sensitivity
- Uses a color change mechanism based on gold nanoparticles
- Reaches a limit of detection as low as 500 copies per reaction with RPA pre-amplification
- Delivers results in ~25 minutes
This test is designed to be read from within BSL-3 environments and is ideal for outbreak response.
Supporting National Outbreak Workflows
In Austria, the EU Mobile Laboratory is being tested to strengthen official response systems. Normally, an outbreak case flows from hospital admission to national database entry and analysis at a reference lab. MOBILISE improves this system by:
- Collecting additional samples (contacts, animals, vectors)
- Operating alongside national agencies (AGES, ministries)
- Sharing real-time results through its Decision Support System (DSS)
With MOBILISE, response is faster, better coordinated, and grounded in real-time lab data.
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ALT: Public health professionals reviewing mobile lab operation as part of MOBILISE training
Digital Coordination: The DSS and Communication Platform
The DSS connects to the lab’s data system (LIMS), providing:
- A real-time dashboard of cases
- Centralized communication for responders
- Automated alerts through an early warning system
Authorities can act faster based on trusted lab data. This makes the mobile lab not only a diagnostic tool but also a coordination hub.
Field Deployment and Use Cases
The mobile lab will be deployed in Austria, Romania, Greece, and parts of Africa. These pilot activities aim to bring the platform to Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7), confirming its effectiveness in real field conditions.
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ALT: MOBILISE project team in front of EU Mobile Laboratory during field deployment
Key Benefits
- Quick deployment: Labs can be mobilized within hours to outbreak locations
- High containment levels: Equipped to handle high-risk pathogens safely
- Broad diagnostic capacity: Capable of testing for multiple pathogens, providing essential data for decision-making
- Green, self-sufficient energy systems: Powered by solar, wind, and battery storage
- Support for integrated outbreak workflows: Works alongside national agencies and existing protocols
- Real-time dashboards and alerts: Decision Support System provides timely, coordinated communication
- Modular and expandable: Adaptable lab design with attachable space and optimized safety zones
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ALT: Side view of EU Mobile Laboratory with partner logos, showcasing modular design and green tech
Get Involved or Learn More
MOBILISE is building a European solution for safe, fast, and green outbreak response. Learn more about the initiative and current activities on the official website: https://mobilise-lab.eu/
Interested in contributing to the project?
[FORM] / Link to Join Us