Core Facilities and Service Centers
Research Service Centers/Core Facilities
To assist researchers in basic, translational and clinical research, UNMC provides extensive Core Facilities on campus. A directory of core facilities/service centers has been made available.
In addition to institutional core facilities, many Centers and Major Programs also include specialized cores or service centers, a list of programs and centers can be found at unmc.edu/vcr/about/centers.
Biosafety Facilities
Biosafety level laboratories (BSL) are designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on the biocontainment precautions required to isolate biological agents such as bacteria, parasites and viruses. Laboratory facilities are available for work with infectious agents, as well as with animals.
What is the difference between BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities?
Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) is suitable for work involving agents that pose moderate hazards to personnel and the environment. It differs from BSL-1 in that: 1) laboratory personnel have specific training in handling pathogenic agents and are supervised by scientists competent in handling infectious agents and associated procedures; 2) access to the laboratory is restricted when work is being conducted; and 3) all procedures in which infectious aerosols or splashes may be created are conducted in biological safety cabinets or other physical containment equipment.
Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) is applicable to clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, or production facilities where work is performed with indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation exposure. Laboratory personnel must receive specific training in handling pathogenic and potentially lethal agents, and must be supervised by scientists competent in handling infectious agents and associated procedures. BSL-3 facilities at UNMC must be certified by the campus Biosafety Officer before first use and inspected annually.
Where are the BSL-2 facilities at UNMC?
All laboratories in the Durham Research Center (DRC) towers are constructed to BSL 2 standards. Laboratories and personnel working with BSL-2 agents must pass annual safety training and have completed the Biosafety compliance inspection checklist.
Does UNMC have BSL-3 facilities?
Yes. The Department of Pathology and Microbiology manages biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) containment laboratories on the UNMC campus. Information regarding the BSL-3 laboratories and their use can be obtained by contacting the campus Biosafety Officer at 402-559-7774.
The Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience manages a suite of containment laboratories. Although these laboratories are designed as BSL-3, they are currently being used for HIV-1 research as BSL-2 laboratories where BSL-3 practices are followed. These laboratories have restricted access but are available to approved faculty.
To gain access to this facility, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have direct approval from the Chair of the Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience
- Review and successfully pass the Institutional Biosafety Web-based examinations for General Biosafety and BSL-3 Containment.
Once approved access, the researcher’s ID card is programmed into the security system by personnel in the Security Department.
Entering the anteroom will require the use of a proximity card and a four digit passcode.
For more information, visit the Biosafety Level III website.
Animal BSL-2 and 3 facilities.
Animal biosafety level 2 and 3 (ABSL-2 and 3) facilities are available and managed by Comparative Medicine. For additional information about the use of this facility contact the Safety/Compliance Coordinator for Comparative Medicine at 402-559-4034.