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Threat Preparedness and
Bioterrorism Response Laboratory
The West Virginia Threat Preparedness and Bioterrorism Response Laboratory was
established as part of a national bioterrorism preparedness and response
network of public health and clinical laboratories for the purpose of disease
surveillance and emergency response to possible acts of bioterrorism. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the nation's public health
agency, has developed a laboratory response plan designed to provide rapid and
specific diagnosis of illnesses caused by likely agents of bioterrorism
This response network is a tiered system, based upon an assessment of
laboratory analytical capabilities, capacity to respond, and Biosafety levels.
The Laboratory Response Network (LRN) consists of three levels of laboratories,
designated Sentinel, Reference, and National Levels. Sentinel Level
Laboratories are primarily non-public health clinical laboratories that serve
hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare institutions. Their primary function
is to raise suspicion following the application of commonly performed tests
with the objective being to rule out suspect bioterrorism agents.
Reference Level Laboratories have access to protocols and reagents for
identifying threat agents in environmental specimens and confirmation of
identification for clinical samples. The West Virginia Office of Laboratory
Services is the Reference Level Laboratory for Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia
pestis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella spp., and other agents of bioterrorism
for the state.
The West Virginia Threat Preparedness and Bioterrorism Response Laboratory DOES
NOT accept specimens from the general public. If you have a suspicious letter
or package, please contact your nearest State/Local Law Enforcement Agency or
your Local Health Department.
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