Lab Matters Summer 2018 | Page 83

APHL 2018 Annual Meeting Poster Abstracts

regional peculiarities and needs. It also ensures repeatability of results when systems and test kits are distributed and used on a broad scale. In addition, CDC provides standard operating procedures, reagents and training to implement and maintain assays developed on these technologies. The LRN-B currently utilizes multiple technologies for the detection of biological threat agents, including polymerase chain reaction( PCR), time-resolved fluorescence( TRF) and a variety of automated extraction platforms. More recently, the LRN is exploring matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization – time of flight( MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry with the goal of improving time to detection. As the technology progresses, APHL and CDC have collaborated with LRN-B member laboratories on multi-center validation studies, training courses and developing guidance for these detection technologies. This poster will discuss the technology collaborations to improve biological threat detection capacity and capabilities in LRN member laboratories.

Presenter: Tyler Wolford, BS, MS, Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD, Phone: 240.485.2775, Email: tyler. wolford @ aphl. org

Collaborative Recovery Efforts to Restore Public Health Laboratory Testing Following Landfall of a Category 4 Hurricane in the Tropics— Puerto Rico, 2017

M. C. Hardy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Background: On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria severely damaged the Puerto Rico Department of Health( PRDH) building infrastructure, resulting in immediate and long-term impacts to public health laboratory capacity. Working with PRDH, the CDC Restoration of Services Team began interagency recovery and restoration efforts at affected facilities, in conjunction with FEMA, USACE, EPA and FDA. Testing for seven laboratories( Rabies, Influenza, Tuberculosis, Bacteriology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases( STDs), Milk and Water) was affected across four locations.

Methods: Working with PRDH laboratory subject matter experts( SMEs), the CDC Team inventoried and procured essential supplies for the laboratories. The CDC Team also assisted PRDH staff with implementing quality management system( QMS) modules to increase accuracy, reliability and timeliness for specimen shipping and tracking. The QMS provided support toward long-term recovery and complemented PRDH’ s emergency preparedness and readiness plans.

Results: More than 117 essential laboratory consumables and instruments needed to restore testing were identified. By January 5, 2018, CDC Foundation had ordered 97 % and PRDH had received 54 % of these items. Three standard operating procedures were created for specimen shipping, specimen tracking and the receipt and installation of new equipment, including calibration and servicing of instruments. The impact on CLIA testing was mitigated in consultation with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services( CMS), who issued a temporary waiver for proficiency testing. By December 2017, testing had resumed for the Rabies and STDs laboratories.

Conclusions: Diagnostic capabilities at local public health laboratories are at risk during natural disasters. Public health laboratories can be secured using the immediate and long-term strategies developed by the CDC Team. Public health laboratory mitigation strategies were developed that can be adapted to various emergencies or disaster responses.

Presenter: Margaret Hardy, MSc, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, Phone: 404.639.3217, Email: nrl4 @ cdc. gov

Fifteen Years of Preparedness: Are US Public Health Laboratories Ready?

S. Abrams, J. Liebreich, C. N. Mangal and J. Nassif, Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD

The capabilities needed for a laboratory to prepare for and respond to incidents relies on its ability to operate properly. Funding remains a persistent concern among many member laboratories. This year marks the 15-year anniversary of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness( PHEP) funding cooperative agreement, which provides funding to many of our member laboratories across the country. It serves a critical need to help ensure that laboratories are funded for emergency preparedness initiatives.

This abstract details preparedness and response funding, highlighting the history of PHEP funding and how it is critical in ensuring our nations laboratories operate effectively when faced with the next public health threat. It describes how funding sources support PHEP capabilities for biological, chemical and radiological threats. Association of Public Health Laboratories( APHL) member laboratories utilize PHEP funding to address preparedness needs and ensure the public is safe from the next threat.

This presentation will exhibit the 15-year history of PHEP funding, accomplishments and ongoing challenges. Specifics will be provided for how differing state public health laboratories utilize PHEP funding.

Presenter: Samuel Abrams, Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD, Phone: 240.485.2731, Email: samuel. abrams @ aphl. org

Facility Assessments Rapidly Identify Public Health Laboratory Needs Following Hurricane Maria— Puerto Rico, 2017

R. C. Stinnett, J. Concepción-Acevedo, V. de Jesus, J. Quiñones, M. Ansbro, A. de Leon, G. Rao, B. B. White, M. C. Hardy, J. Castro-Georgi, E. Ribot, A. M. Mercante, D. Lowe, R. González Peña, R. I. Cuevas Ruiz, H. Rivera Arbolay, E. Martinez Rondón, G. Rodríguez Plá, B. del Valle Rosado, N. M. Sanchez, J. F. Crespo Ramos, C. Deseda, M. T. Tirado, C. L. Bean, A. Cannons, C. N. Mangal, M. Mcgarvey, T. Wolford, A. Muehlenbachs, N. Anderson, M. Lozier, B. Sunshine, A. Patel, C. Luna-Pinto, S. Pillai and E. O’ Neill, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Background: Hurricane Maria interrupted public health laboratory services provided by Puerto Rico Department of Health( PRDH), including proficiency and diagnostic testing, surveillance and analysis of water and milk. In response to a request for assistance from PRDH, CDC collaborated with APHL and USACE, FEMA and HHS / ASPR to perform systematic assessments. The objectives were to assess short-term and long-term PRDH laboratory needs.

Methods: The PRDH system includes a central public health laboratory facility and the Biological and Chemical Emergencies Laboratory( BCEL) in San Juan and satellite facilities in Arecibo, Mayaguez and Ponce. Beginning October 13, 2017, APHL scientists and the Restoration of Services Team, including laboratory scientists from CDC, FEMA liaison, CDC senior public health

Preparedeness and Response