The Laboratory Response Network: Its role in times of disaster

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.