Experience a laboratory like never before with OneLab VR. A safe virtual environment created for clinical and public health laboratory training. OneLab VR is a multiplayer virtual reality (VR) environment with an ever-expanding suite of laboratory training scenarios. Learners can take on-demand VR trainings and trainers can use the multiplayer space to deliver live trainings to their staff. Available on the CDC OneLab REACH™, OneLab VR was designed for the Meta Quest headset, available at the Meta Quest Store.
OneLab VR Goals
- Empower laboratory professionals to apply, assess, and improve their skills in a safe and controlled learning environment
- Facilitate real-time communication between trainers and learners from around the world, as they conduct live training on a variety of laboratory topics
- Provide 5-to-10 minute microlearning training scenarios throughout the VR environment on specific safety principles or laboratory equipment
What's included in OneLab VR?
12 Different Laboratories
In a 50,000-square-foot virtual facility created for clinical and public health laboratory training.
5-10 Minute VR Training
Scenarios designed to quickly familiarize learners with laboratory equipment, safety, and procedures.
100+ and Counting
Custom-built, including:
- Rotary microtome, tissue processor
- Darkfield microscope
- Incubators, refrigerators, and freezers
- Real-time PCR machines
- Centrifuges, microfuges
- Biosafety cabinets and fume hoods
- Chemistry analyzers
- Microbial identification systems
OneLab VR training scenarios include videos, voice-overs, and animations to assist learners with training tasks.
VR - Latest Scenarios
OneLab VR Tutorial Scenario
OneLab VR Tutorial Scenario
OneLab VR encompasses 12 different laboratories in a 50,000-square-foot virtual facility created for clinical and public health laboratory training. It also includes over 100 (and counting) laboratory-specific pieces of equipment.
OneLab Packing & Shipping Dangerous Goods Scenario
OneLab Packing & Shipping Dangerous Goods Scenario
The goal for this scenario is for learners to properly triple package the specimen and safely transport it to the Specimen Receiving area for air shipping, then apply the proper marks and labels in the proper locations to the package and seal it.
OneLab VR Centrifuge Safety Scenario
OneLab VR Centrifuge Safety Scenario
The goal for this scenario is for the learner to select the correct tubes, properly balance, and load the centrifuge during the centrifugation process.
VR Scenarios Coming Soon
Safe and Proper Use of a Biosafety Cabinet
Safe Use of an Autoclave
Multiplayer Functionality
Asynchronous and online training is great, but nothing beats live, hands-on training with an instructor who can offer immediate feedback and guidance. OneLab VR includes a multiplayer lobby where trainers can create their own OneLab VR environment and invite learners to join them live in virtual reality. Trainers and learners can see, hear, and talk to one another in real-time.
Picture this: With OneLab VR, a trainer in Germany could be working next to a learner in Japan, offering guidance on properly pipetting a sample in a biosafety cabinet while learners watch and comment live from all over the world. These multiplayer sessions can be one-on-one, or in large groups.
Install OneLab VR
OneLab VR must be installed on your Meta Quest headset to complete the scenarios.
Please install "OneLab VR" via the Meta Quest AppLab before continuing. If you prefer to install it via the Meta Quest app, please use the QR code provided to locate it on your mobile device.
Are you affiliated with a U.S. public health, clinical, or academic laboratory at the national, state, or local level and interested in VR equipment?
Additional VR Courses Currently Available on REACH
This course offers P.A.C.E.® credit for both VIVE and Meta Quest versions.
Use the Meta Quest headset at your laboratory site to complete the LabTrainingVR: Biosafety Cabinet Edition course, which should take about 60-90 minutes. You do not have to complete the course in one session. Register for and complete CDC’s Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) eLearning course (30 to 45 minutes) as a refresher. For technical support, please email VR@cdc.gov.
P.A.C.E® credit will no longer be available for this course after 10/31/23.
This course is designed to work ONLY on the HTC Vive VR platform and requires a supported computer. It is designed to enhance laboratory scientists’ ability to identify how personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous materials, prevent transmission of infectious agents, and demonstrate how to don and doff PPE.
Learn About VR
Quick Stats
94% (n = 34) of pilot-testers with BSC experience agreed that VR technology gave them practical experience using a BSC.
95% (n = 56) of pilot-testers agreed that the inclusion of the VR technology made it easier to learn the content.
95% (n = 56) of pilot-testers agreed that the VR technology was easy to use.
100% (n = 23) of pilot-testers with no BSC experience reported increased confidence using the skills.