ASCP Helps Shape National Laboratory Response System

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gathered input on the National Laboratory Response System (NLRS) currently under development during a two-day meeting it hosted on March 20-21. ASCP was among the key stakeholders participating in this critical discussion. The meeting focused on defining the NLRS's purpose and functionalities, identifying key partner roles, and ensuring the system can adapt to future biological threats.

Additional organizations that participated in the meeting included the American Clinical Laboratory Association, the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the American Society for Microbiology, the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, the Association for Molecular Pathology, the College of American Pathologists, COLA, Inc., and the National Independent Laboratory Association. Federal partners from the CDC, Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Agency for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security also played a vital role in the discussion.

Participants discussed the core functions, capabilities, and communication channels necessary to ensure an effective laboratory response – from preparedness and detection to response and recovery. On the second day, attendees delved deeper by participating in table-top exercises. Divided into smaller groups, participants tackled real-world outbreak scenarios, simulating communication and collaboration among laboratory organizations, and identifying the critical roles that partners play during a public health crisis.

ASCP is committed to supporting initiatives like the NLRS to ensure that the laboratory workforce is prepared for future health challenges.

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