Emergency Response & Sentinel Labs

Laboratory Response Network for Biological Threats (LRN-B) and Chemical Threats (LRN-C), reference materials for Idaho's sentinel labs including packaging and shipping infectious substances, CDC guidance documents, and submission forms 

 

About emergency response & sentinel labs

LRN-B

Through the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement, IBL's Laboratory Response Network for Biological Threats (LRN-B) lab trains a network of Idaho sentinel labs to recognize potential biological threat (BT) agents and to properly ship specimens.  Sentinel laboratories are typically clinical laboratories that analyze or refer specimens that may contain microbial agents or toxins.  

As an LRN reference laboratory, IBL's LRN-B lab receives biological specimens from sentinel laboratories and environmental samples from agencies such as HazMat to confirm biological threats. The lab utilizes rapid molecular and conventional microbiological methods for confirmation of BT agents. 

LRN-C

Through the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement, IBL's Laboratory Response Network for Chemical Threats (LRN-C) lab trains a network of Idaho sentinel labs to collect and ship clinical specimens and also provides chemistry consultation to health care professionals.

IBL provides chemical threat testing services solely in support of public health and safety activities. The laboratory does not accept samples from private individuals or organizations.

As an LRN-C Level 2 confirmatory laboratory, IBL's LRN-C lab analyzes clinical specimens (blood and urine) for the presence of toxic chemical agents, utilizing GC-MS, ICP-MS, and LC-MS/MS instrumentation. These methods can be applied to matrices such as food and personal care products.

Food testing

IBL provides food testing services solely in support of public health activities, such as foodborne illness investigations, and does not accept food samples from private individuals or organizations.  As a member of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), IBL provides threat identification and rule-out tests to support public health and law enforcement operations and performs rapid tests for the early detection of biological agents and toxicants in food. 

Biological Threat/Food Testing and Chemical Threat Test Request Forms
Clinical Test Request Form
Sampling and Submission Guide
Find sample submission requirements, materials, and instructions.
Contacts
Ernie Bader
LRN-C (Chemical Threats)
Phone
Robert Voermans
LRN-B (Biological Threats) and Food Testing
Phone

Additional information

Select agents

Select agents are biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health. The possession, use, and transfer or select agents is regulated by the National Select Agent Registry.

Toxicology profiles