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Mekong Institute

STAGE 04 / VERIFY · DELIVERABLES 07 & 08

From a signal
to trusted evidence.

Modern analytical capacity for Laos. Mobile outreach that connects communities to the science.

First services · 30 June 2027Laboratory completion · June 2028Fleet completion · September 2028
04 / VERIFY

Step inside the science.

Interactive concept

Explore a modern water laboratory, then open the mobile lab truck to see what travels into the field.

Mekong Lab mobile water laboratory truck with Mekong Institute branding, door closed
Click the truck or its door to step inside.

Illustrative 3D designs and proposed equipment. Fixed laboratories confirm heavy metals; the mobile lab supports field screening and sample handling. Equipment, fleet size and final engineering remain subject to the agreed scope.

DELIVERABLE #7 / STRENGTHENED LAO WATER LABORATORIES

Better instruments.
Stronger national capability.

Invest in the equipment, people and quality system together. Build on existing Lao laboratories and harmonize partner support under one national framework.

Generic equipment concept: ICP-MS with autosampler on the left and an open microwave digestion instrument on the right
Equipment illustrations · Generic concepts, not a procurement specification
01 / MEASURE

ICP-MS for priority metals

Measure multiple trace elements within a validated analytical scope. Define dissolved or total-recoverable fractions, control interferences and report method-specific limits. Chromium speciation and mercury can require a separate method choice.

EPA ICP-MS method reference ↗
02 / PREPARE

Microwave sample preparation

Support method-defined extraction of metals from water samples with particles. Pair preparation with appropriate measurement, blank controls, trained analysts and suitable ventilation.

EPA microwave preparation reference ↗
03 / ASSURE

Competence and reliable results

Train and retain analysts, demonstrate method performance, review proficiency results and fund maintenance and consumables. Develop a quality system aligned with ISO/IEC 17025; accreditation requires a separate assessment.

ISO/IEC 17025 framework ↗

DELIVERABLE #8 / MOBILE LAB FIELD FLEET

Bring the first response
within reach.

A branded, equipped mobile service connects remote sampling points to qualified laboratories. Pilot one service, learn from the routes, then complete the agreed fleet.

01

Collect with purpose

Follow a sampling plan. Record the place, time, sample ID and question to investigate.

02

Screen in the field

Use calibrated instruments and selected tests to understand conditions at the source.

03

Preserve and transfer

Meet method-specific handling requirements and document custody to the receiving lab.

04

Confirm and share

Review laboratory evidence before sharing findings for prediction and response.

Step inside the mobile lab truck

RESULT-BASED / TANGIBLE / DEPLOYMENT-DRIVEN

A work plan built
around working services.

Proposed targets for the agreed programme scope. First services use qualified existing capacity while equipment upgrades, training and the full fleet are completed.

2027 Deploy & demonstrate2028 Complete & connect2029 Sustain the services
Deliverable 7DefineAgree the analytical scope
  • Stocktake existing Lao laboratory equipment, staff, methods and partner-funded assets.
  • Agree priority metals, sample types, locations and the lead laboratory under the national strategy.
  • Confirm gaps and share one procurement and training plan to avoid duplicate investment.

Completion evidenceApproved scope, equipment register, named delivery team and partner responsibilities.

Deliverable 7 + 8PreparePrepare the lab and truck deployment
  • Specify lab utilities, clean and preparation areas, service contracts and consumable supply.
  • Procure priority equipment and design the pilot truck around payload, power, ventilation and sample handling.
  • Train field teams; approve sampling, custody and laboratory quality procedures.

Completion evidenceSite-readiness review, procurement packages and an approved pilot operating plan.

Deliverable 7 + 8DeployLaunch the first verification services
  • Release first reviewed priority results using qualified existing capacity and validated methods.
  • Commission the first mobile lab truck service with trained staff and agreed outreach routes.
  • Demonstrate one complete field-to-laboratory sample handover and reviewed result.

Completion evidenceFirst service records, vehicle acceptance, custody trail and reviewed laboratory reports.

Deliverable 7ProveCommission priority instruments
  • Install priority laboratory instruments as procurement and site readiness allow.
  • Document analyst training and demonstrate method performance for the agreed matrices.
  • Trial sample registration and reviewed-result exchange with the data hub.

Completion evidenceCommissioning records, performance study and a documented result-review workflow.

Deliverable 7Complete #7Accept the strengthened laboratory service
  • Complete the agreed laboratory upgrades and analytical methods.
  • Review proficiency performance, reporting limits, quality records and turnaround.
  • Accept the supported service with maintenance, reference materials and trained cover in place.

Completion evidenceAccepted laboratory scope, proficiency evidence and reviewed results connected to the hub.

Deliverable 8Complete #8Accept the agreed mobile lab fleet
  • Commission the remaining agreed vehicles and equipment after the pilot review.
  • Connect outreach routes to receiving laboratories and the shared sample register.
  • Accept staff rosters, servicing, resupply and sample-transport arrangements.

Completion evidenceFleet acceptance, demonstrated routes and an agreed operations and maintenance plan.

2029 / SUSTAIN

Keep the integrated system working.

Maintain instrument service, proficiency testing, staff cover, consumables and outreach routes. Review service performance with the agencies and development partners under one framework. Completed deliverables #7 and #8 are not repeated as new annual milestones.

31 December 2029: programme review of service continuity and integration with the national Water Quality Intelligence System.

VERIFY THE INVESTMENT

Measure the service, not just the purchase.

Accepted scope

Methods, sample matrices and reportable elements supported by performance evidence.

Result turnaround

Track receipt-to-reviewed-result time and explain delays.

Evidence quality

Track quality-control holds, proficiency performance and corrective actions.

Outreach continuity

Track completed routes, accepted sample handovers, vehicle availability and resupply.

Set numerical service targets after the January 2027 baseline. No current laboratory performance or fleet availability is implied.