infectious diseases
Laboratorians and epidemiologists spent
the first half of each day learning together,
then participated in break-out sessions
in the afternoon. Coursework included
instruction on testing principles, quality
control and interpretation of results, as
well as hands-on training using traditional
and cutting-edge laboratory techniques.
Epidemiologists learned about essential
activities for investigating and responding
to cases of AR and techniques used to
identify resistance in clustered cases.
“We participated in an integrated practical
case study exercise that enabled each
state epidemiologist to work with their
corresponding state laboratorian on
several antibiotic resistant scenarios,”
said Hun. “This deepened the relationship
of laboratorians and epidemiologists in
the western region to work together to
combat antibiotic resistant bacteria and
prevent new antibiotic resistant threats.”
Central
Nestled in the heart of downtown St.
Paul is the Minnesota Department of
Health Public Health Laboratory (MDH
PHL), the central regional laboratory of
the ARLN. Representatives from seven
state public health laboratories, CDC
and APHL gathered there May 23-24,
for a training on CRE and CRPA.
“Kristy Connors, Minnesota’s brand new
ARLN training coordinator, took the
reins and in one short month, with lots
of extra hard work, successfully led the
laboratory team through preparation of
presentations, wet lab content, participant
binders and overall logistics,” says Paula
Snippes Vagone, MT(ASCP), the MDH
PHL microbiology unit supervisor.
The MDH PHL developed the training
around results from a 2017 needs
assessment survey, which showed a need
in the Central region for instruction on
phenotypic testing methods, notably
methods for culture-based antimicrobial
susceptibility testing (AST). Focused
by the assessment, the training was
delivered in the optimal location and
designed to allow time for in-depth
discussion of technical queries.
Having sent staff to CDC trainings, the
MDH PHL was well-prepared to train
participants. “[We] were able to take
the training we received at CDC last
fall and pass it on,” says Annastasia
Gross, MPH, MT(ASCP). “Having
been students ourselves, we had a
pretty good idea of what our trainees
would be interested in learning!”
“It is gratifying to learn that some
of the participating laboratories are
already implementing the modified
Carbapenem Inactivation Method (mCIM)
test that was taught in our workshop,”
says Vagnone. “The training really did
make a difference toward increasing
detection of AR in our region”
Southeast
The ARLN Southeast training at the
Tennessee Department of Health Public
Health Laboratory (TN PHL) on June 20-21,
ran smoothly with well-organized lab
activities and presentations providing
useful information to the trainees. One
would never have known it was pulled
together in a just few short weeks.
“Getting this workshop planned in a
short time required lots of prayer, coffee,
tears and teamwork,” said Molecular
Biologist Xiaorong Z. Qian, PhD, HCLD
(ABB). “TN PHL prides itself on the value
of having great partners like APHL
and CDC for resources and taking on
this huge task in a short period.”
The trainees came from four jurisdictional
labs. Though this training was smaller
than other regional trainings, the
small class size allowed for individual
attention from instructors and ensured
plenty of time to discuss concerns
or questions from participants.
In addition to TN PHL staff, Karen
Anderson and Davina Campbell, MS,
MPH of CDC also provided instruction
on AST and real-time PCR detection.
“Davina & Karen… were instrumental
in this workshop,” says ARLN Supervisor
Tracy Woodard. “Their experience on
phenotypic screening and colistin testing
anomalies will shape how we investigate
unusual resistance in organisms. This
workshop would not have been as
successful without their participation.”
“The feedback from the states has been
very positive, and they feel confident and
well equipped to implement the testing
required of them,” says Woodard. ■
The other ARLN regional laboratories are:
• Mid-Atlantic: Maryland Public
Health Laboratory
• Mountain: Texas Department of
State Health Services Laboratory
• Midwest: Wisconsin State
Laboratory of Hygiene
These laboratories ensured state PHLs
in their regions received training via
other modalities, including one-on-one
instruction at the regional laboratory.
CDC microbiologist Karen Anderson (center) assists Ilsa Villegas Correa (left) and Tiffany Rivers (right) during the Tennessee
regional training
PublicHealthLabs
@APHL
APHL.org
Summer 2017 LAB MATTERS
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