Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL)

Overview of Services

The Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at UTHSC is part of a National Institute of Health network of national facilities devoted to research on the discovery and development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics that would protect the general population from emerging infectious diseases.  The nature of the research conducted in the RBL requires a high level of post-protocol approval monitoring. Before work can be initiated in the RBL, interested researchers should work with the the RBL Responsible Official to obtain Department of Justice security clearance (email: Jennifer Stabenow). Project requests must be reviewed and approved before gaining access or performing work in the RBL. All appropriate Select Agent registration, approval, and permits must be completed before a Select Agent can be transferred to UTHSC, or before an investigator can begin work in the RBL. All personnel, once approved by the Laboratory Director, are trained by the RBL Facility Manager/ Responsible Official prior to gaining access to or performing work in the facility. Refresher training is required for all RBL users at least annually or whenever there are procedural or policy changes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

The RBL Service Units unit offers a wide array of services in support of (1) testing the toxicity and efficacy of antivirals and vaccines in small animals of infectious diseases, (2) in vitro screening of small molecules for drug discovery and (3) pathogen discovery in patient or environmental samples. Additionally, the RBL offers equipment within BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories in support of basic and translational research. The RBL has an outstanding, highly experienced staff available to provide Users training on equipment, facility use and to provide support for studies. Please contact the RBL Director, Program Manager or Facility Manager for questions about your next study!

Leadership

Colleen B. Jonsson, Ph.D. 

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. Coming Soon

Contacts