FEATURE SPOTLIGHT : PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
APHL and Partners Host LRN Conventional Methods Training Course for InDRE Laboratorians
By Tyler Wolford , manager , Emergency Preparedness and Response
LRN Conventional Methods Trainees listening to lectures . Photo : Tyler Wolford .
The Laboratory Response Network ( LRN ) is a collaborative effort involving APHL , the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) and US Department of Defense ( DoD ). This integrated network unites state and local public health laboratories , federal agencies , military institutions and international laboratories to respond to biological , chemical and radiological threats .
At the core of the LRN is the LRN for Biological Threats Preparedness ( LRN- B ), which is critical in preparing for and rapidly responding to biological threats , such as anthrax , and emerging infectious diseases like Ebola . In addition to its domestic efforts , the LRN works closely with international laboratories , offering support and fostering collaboration with countries like Canada and Mexico . These partnerships are vital to enhancing global preparedness by sharing knowledge , expertise and assisting with strategic planning .
In September 2024 , APHL , CDC and the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory facilitated a modified LRN Conventional Methods Training Course in Phoenix , AZ for six laboratorians at the Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference ( InDRE ) in Mexico City , Mexico . The goal of this course was to maintain capacity within LRN-B Reference Laboratories to effectively respond to actual or suspected biological threat events by increasing the participants ’ skills and confidence in test performance and result interpretation using conventional methods , facilitate the dissemination of the information and skills learned in the course to others and provide a forum that will foster a professional working relationship between the course participants and instructors .
The training encompassed traditional microbiological detection methods like culturing , microscopy , gram staining and biochemical testing . This intermediate-level course trains microbiologists in the laboratory identification procedures for Bacillus anthracis , Brucella spp ., Francisella tularensis , Yersinia pestis and Burkholderia spp . These organisms have been identified as possible biological threat agents using several criteria , including the past weaponization of these organisms and the small infectious doses required to produce illness . Additionally , this course included training on Time-resolved Fluorescence , a screening assay for the detection of Ricinus communis toxin .
At the end of the course , participants were able to :
1 . Use LRN-B Reference Laboratory protocols to perform all conventional microbiology tests for identifying biological threat agents .
2 . Interpret test results to determine identification of organisms .
3 . Identify the appropriate confirmatory test for each organism .
4 . Explain the principles of the conventional tests used to identify these organisms .
5 . Demonstrate the ability to work safely with biological threats agents under a biological safety cabinet at Biosafety Level 3 .
6 . Identify potential hazards associated with biological threat agents .
APHL would like to recognize the contributions of the following individuals . Thank you for your invaluable efforts .
Arizona State Public Health Laboratory Dr . Victor Waddell Dr . Kathryn Fitzpatrick Dr . Joseph Manfrida Drew Francis Rachel Wrobel Ksenia Poujlivaia John Dulany Teriani Johnson
Interpreters Houda El Idrissi Ernest Niño-Murcia Irma Cornejo Linda Galicia
Instructors Dr . Philip Lee Amanda Moore Dr . Michael Perry Erin Swaney
InDRE Maribel González Villa Mireya Mederos Michel Daniel José Regalado Santiago America del Pilar Mandujano Martínez Blanca Estela González Martínez Nancy Martínez Velázquez
Facilitators Patricia Blevins Rana Rahmat
This training opportunity enhanced preparedness and response capabilities for InDRE and laid the groundwork for implementation of LRN-B testing . g
18 LAB MATTERS Winter 2024
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