INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Carrie Lueck plates filtered samples received by the LRC and acid washed filtrates on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar . Photo : Valérie Reeb .
of case and outbreak investigations first go through a pre-approval process to ensure that a proper sampling
plan has been developed , and that the nature of the outbreak warrants the use of LRC resources . It supports LD outbreak investigations through a highly collaborative process between laboratory and epidemiology staff from the submitting laboratory , CDC and LRC . CDC and LRC can provide additional guidance on developing a sampling plan and ensuring proper sample collection , handling and shipping . Additionally , LRC offers environmental sample collection kits ( available for purchase ) tailored to each outbreak investigation that can be shipped to the laboratory ahead of their planned sample collection . Upon completion of testing , LRC and CDC are also available to support result interpretation and next steps .
For the State Hygienic Laboratory , serving as the LRC has been a rewarding experience . According to co-principal investigator Valérie Reeb , “ Being involved in the LRC gives us the opportunity to collaborate with Legionella experts from across the country and to follow the entire Legionella investigation process from initial assessment to potential remediation ,
Don ’ t miss out on the benefits —
Renew your membership !
thus increasing our knowledge for solving outbreaks .”
Improving Public Health Through Increased Access to Legionella Testing
The LRC plays an important role in the national Legionella testing landscape . The added capacity provided by the LRC for environmental sample testing during outbreaks enables more comprehensive investigations in jurisdictions without laboratory capacity and in those whose internal capacity is temporarily exceeded . For the Oklahoma State Department of Health , utilizing the LRC is now written into their LD outbreak investigation protocol , enabling more timely and comprehensive LD investigations and ultimately safeguarding public health statewide .
To learn more and enroll in the LRC , visit APHL ’ s website . g
Renewal notices will be emailed to current members starting in April . www . aphl . org / benefits
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