Mobile ebola laboratory cuts diagnosis times for patients in Congo

Healthcare workers in Butembo, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, are using a mobile laboratory to test samples from suspected Ebola cases.

Technicians work inside the trucks, where a negative-pressure system helps protect staff and the surrounding environment.

The facility can be moved to other locations if an outbreak requires it, allowing testing to be carried out closer to affected communities.

The mobile unit has also cut the time needed for diagnosis. Doctors say results that once took up to 72 hours can now be available within 24 hours, and in some cases as quickly as six hours.

Faster testing helps guide patients to appropriate care and allows confirmed cases to receive treatment sooner.