The Dallas County BSL-3 Laboratory Project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art, 65,040-square-foot, three-story facility located on 1.6 acres at West Mockingbird Lane.

The scope included a fully compliant Biosafety Level 3 laboratory designed for work with agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease by inhalation. There are also multiple BSL-2 and BSL-1 labs; BSL-2 is for handling moderate-risk agents, and BSL-1 is for agents not known to cause disease in healthy adults. All labs meet National Institutes of Health biosafety guidelines.

The BSL-3 lab expands the county’s capacity for rapid testing, surveillance, and emergency response. Dallas County HHS can detect pathogens faster, alert residents sooner, and better contain outbreaks to reduce disease spread.

The lab is equipped with directional airflow systems, HEPA filtration, controlled access zones, and redundant mechanical and power systems to ensure full operations during severe weather and public health emergencies.