Facilities
CEVAC Lab has a modern facility of approximately 200 m² where high-quality research and clinical testing is being conducted in a biosafety level 2 (BSL2) and GCLP-compliant environment.
Our dedicated lab technicians and advanced technologies enable us to perform high-quality assays, contributing to the development of new vaccines. The lab is connected to the CEVAC CTU and other University Hospital departments via a pneumatic tube system, ensuring a smooth and swift transport of clinical samples within 10 minutes to the laboratory for further processing. Samples from external sites can be brought to the laboratory by specialized couriers for on-site sample preparation allowing standardized sample handling.
All equipment is well-maintained and regularly calibrated according to the highest standards. This process is overseen by a dedicated quality assurance team.
Our equipment
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13 freezers and 5 ultra-low temperature freezers
For the storage of biological samples at (ultra-)low temperatures, ensuring sample stability and integrity -
4 refrigerators
For the storage of temperature-sensitive materials according to strict regulatory requirements -
5 laminar flow benches
Providing sterile workspace for up to 10 lab technicians -
6 Centrifuges
High-speed centrifuges for the processing and analysis of samples -
4 incubators
Maintain optimal conditions for cell culture with our advanced CO2 incubators
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3 liquid nitrogen tanks
with the capacity to store up to 60.000 cryovials in both liquid and vapor phase of liquid nitrogen -
2 Flow cytometers
Conduct immune profiling and characterization studies with our cutting-edge flow cytometry platforms, essential for evaluating vaccine-induced immune responses. -
ELISpot reader
To quantify immune cell responses by detecting and analyzing cytokine production at the single-cell level -
Spectrofotometer
To measure the concentration of antibodies or other biomolecules (such as cytokines) present in samples -
• MesoScale Discovery (MSD) analyzer
To detect and quantify simultaneously multiple biomarkers (such as antibodies and cytokines) to assess immune responses
Sample processing
Acting as a sample processing lab, CEVAC Lab processes and handles daily various sample types with precision and care to ensure accurate and reliable results. The concern, but are not limited to:
- Whole blood samples for the extraction of serum
- Whole blood samples for the isolation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC)
- PAXgene blood RNA and DNA tubes
- Saliva
- Swabs (nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal, buccal, vaginal, ...) for the collection of mucosal samples
- Urine
- Faeces
- Semen
Handled with care
All samples are handled in a standardized way compliant with the study lab manual or in-house procedures to ensure high-quality and sample integrity. Sample traceability is supported by an internal chain of custody, barcode-based system.
Our laboratory information system (LIMS) allows us to track every single step of the life cycle of a sample and to easily retrieve information on the applied processing procedure. Samples are stored in temperature-controlled systems that are being continuously monitored. We pride ourselves on our commitment to efficiency, with a focus on short turn-around-time for sample processing, ensuring timely results for our clients.
In addition to our commitment to excellence in sample processing, we extend our expertise through comprehensive training programs for other sample processing laboratories. Our experienced team of project managers and lab technicians offers hands-on and theoretical training sessions on how to handle and process clinical samples.
Assay portfolio
CEVAC Lab has vast experience and expertise in measuring the quality and magnitude of vaccine-induced immune responses (immune monitoring) and in studying mechanisms of action and immunogenicity of vaccines and adjuvants. Over the years CEVAC has collaborated with various major vaccine manufacturers and we have been involved in projects on HBV, HCV, HIV, TB, malaria, influenza, shingles and several other vaccines.
Partnering with many other academic or industrial partners in different projects, we have been steering efforts to further improve and standardize laboratory methodologies. We have a vast portfolio of assays to offer and are open to discuss the development of new assays.
Services
At CEVAC Lab, we recognize that each partner and each clinical trial comes with its own distinct needs, challenges, and objectives. Therefore, we provide advice and services tailored to meet these specific needs.
For more information about CEVAC’s research, collaborations, or to inquire about our services and facilities, please contact us. We’re committed to supporting your endeavors with professionalism and expertise.
