The laboratory was certified to perform testing using the Department of Defense Emergency Use Authorization Assay for Ebola Virus Disease.
Emergency preparedness and response is one of the 11 core functions and capabilities of state public health laboratories. The Hygienic Laboratory responds to credible threat events involving unknown substances; public health and environmental emergencies, including potential biological or chemical threats; pandemic influenza; disease outbreaks (e.g., Ebola); and environmental or natural disasters (e.g., chemical spills, flooding).
Confirmatory or rule-out testing is performed on clinical isolates to identify potential agents of bioterrorism. Emergency preparedness and response at the State Hygienic Laboratory encompasses the Laboratory Response Network, the Food Emergency Response Network and the Radiological Emergency Response Team.
- Became certified to perform testing using the Department of Defense Emergency Use Authorization Assay for Ebola Virus Disease.
- Conducted a bioterrorism “Wet Workshop” for 21 sentinel laboratorians.
- Provided funding for the statewide courier system, in which 11,900 routine specimens and 189 urgent specimens were delivered to the State Hygienic Laboratory. A rapid response time compared to specimens sent via alternative shipping methods is possible because of the courier system.
- Conducted and participated in several exercises with first responders and other emergency preparedness partners.
- Tested clinical isolates from sentinel laboratories throughout Iowa for substances of potential public health threat.
- Hosted the CDC’s Rapid Methods workshop in the training lab.