The Laboratory Response Network: Its role in times of disaster

Authors

  • Isaac D. Montoya, PhD, CHS, CLS, CMC
  • Olive M. Kimball, PhD, EdD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2007.0032

Keywords:

bioterrorism, Laboratory Response Network, terrorism, terrorism response

Abstract

The Laboratory Response Network (LRN) was established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today, the LRN is charged with the task of maintaining an integrated network of state and local public health, federal, military, and international laboratories that can respond to bioterrorism, chemical terrorism, and other public health emergencies. The more than 150 laboratories that make up the current LRN are affiliated with federal agencies, military installations, international partners, and state and local public health departments. Laboratories in the network may accept samples from hospitals, clinics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, other law enforcement groups, emergency medical services, and the military and other agencies. All of the LRN laboratories use the same protocols and validated methods to ensure rapid and certain identification of dangerous biologic agents that cause anthrax, botulism, plague, tularemia, brucellosis, and other illnesses.

Author Biographies

Isaac D. Montoya, PhD, CHS, CLS, CMC

Affiliated Systems Corporation, Houston, Texas.

Olive M. Kimball, PhD, EdD

Chief Executive Officer Emeritus, National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Chicago, Illinois.

References

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Published

11/01/2007

How to Cite

Montoya, PhD, CHS, CLS, CMC, I. D., and O. M. Kimball, PhD, EdD. “The Laboratory Response Network: Its Role in Times of Disaster”. Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 5, no. 6, Nov. 2007, pp. 45-52, doi:10.5055/jem.2007.0032.