Fact Sheet: Biological Defence Programme

DSO's Biological Defence (BD) Programme
DSO's research into Biological Defence began in 1999 when it started developing capabilities in the detection and verification of bio-threats.

Over time, the BD Programme has built up strong expertise in a comprehensive range of research and operational laboratory services for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This includes clinical diagnostics and environmental detection of viral and bacterial bio-threats, bio-surveillance, host-pathogen interaction and medical countermeasures.

Today, the BD Programme continues to intensify its research on understanding current bio-threats, as well as preparedness for new and re-emerging threats.

Clinical Diagnostic Services Laboratory (CDSL)
As part of the BD Programme, the CDSL has been tasked by the Ministry of Health since 1 August 2014 to screen suspected Ebola samples in Singapore.

Besides contributing its capabilities to support public health, CDSL also serves as the SAF's designated operational laboratory for detecting known bio-threats from clinical samples as part of its efforts to prevent or stop the spread of a potential outbreak. In 1999, it was the first laboratory in Singapore to establish test capabilities for bio-threats using DNA-based methods instead of culture-based screening, drastically reducing the time needed to obtain results for sample testing.

CDSL's contributions to Singapore's defence against infectious diseases and bio-threats include:

• Screening for suspected Anthrax samples in 2001;

• SARS screening for stool samples sent from hospitals in 2003;

• Malaria screening since 2006 for contractors entering Pulau Tekong; and

• Selected SAF camps screening for pandemic H1N1 influenza infections in 2009.

• The laboratory in constantly refining its panel of molecular diagnostics for new disease bio-threats.

More Resources

DSO National Laboratories Contribute Expertise in Support of Singapore's Response to Ebola Virus