Biothreat 101: Hands-On Workshop for Indiana Sentinel Laboratories

Biothreat 101: Hands-On Workshop for Indiana Sentinel Laboratories

Join us for an exciting event at the Indiana Department of Health Laboratories! This workshop is designed to provide hands-on training for Indiana Sentinel Laboratories on handling biothreats. Learn essential skills and protocols to enhance your laboratory's preparedness. Network with fellow professionals and experts in the field. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and contribute to public health safety. Register now to secure your spot!

DESCRIPTION

This hands-on program will provide an overview of the clinical laboratory’s role as a sentinel laboratory, including the presumptive identification of some of the primary agents of bioterrorism. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate the culture, staining and biochemical characteristics of Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella spp., Burkholderia mallei, and Burholderia pseudomallei. The safety implications of handling suspect organisms in clinical isolates and culture and suspect toxins will be emphasized. Policies related to select agents and packaging and shipping of specimens will be reviewed.

OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this program, the participants will be able to:

• Discuss the role of the clinical laboratorian in the presumptive identification of organisms and toxins targeted for use in bioterrorism and the safety implications of handling suspect samples in clinical specimens and isolates.
• Recognize culture, staining, and biochemical characteristics of the primary agents likely to be involved in a bioterrorist event including Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella spp., Burkholderia mallei, and Burkholderia pseudomallei.
• Outline the process for contacting appropriate personnel and transporting samples suspected of containing smallpox, ricin, or botulism to the Indiana Department of Health Laboratories.
• Describe the development of lab-specific biosafety and biosecurity plans in hospital facilities utilizing federal recommendations.
• Explain the concept of select agents and requirements for for completing select agent forms

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Indiana Department of Health Laboratories, 550 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, United States