Tests and Services Manual: Biothreat Response

The division of Bio-Threat Response is a new workforce within the NYC DOHMH Public Health Laboratory.

The laboratory's routine hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., however, the laboratory is available for processing high priority specimens 24 hours a day- 7 days a week. (Refer to Emergency Laboratory Tests). For information about Biothreat Response training, or if you have questions about proper Rule-out protocols, please contact the PHL Outreach Program at Lbtrng@health.nyc.gov.

The division has a dual focus:

1. Accurate and rapid identification of agents from environmental and clinical sources that can be used as weapons of mass destruction utilizing the following technologies:
   • Nucleic acid amplification and detection
   • Direct fluorescent antibody detection (DFA)
   • Culture (bacterial)
   • Time Resolved Fluorescence (TRF)
   • Enzyme Immunoassays (EIA)
2. Training via workshops, seminars, and in-services provided to:
   • NYC LRN Sentinel Laboratories on recognition and awareness of select agents, referral of suspicious isolates to PHL and proper packaging and shipping of biological agents
   • NYC First Responders on safe and appropriate specimen collection and transport from the event site to the NYC DOHMH PHL.
3. Resources:
   • ASM Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratory Protocols
   • APHL Public Health Preparedness & Response
   • APHL Biothreat Agent Bench Cards for the Sentinel Clinical Laboratory (PDF)
   • APHL Clinical Laboratory Preparedness and Response Guide “Blue Book (PDF)
   • CDC Biothreat Preparedness Training for Sentinel Laboratories
   • CDC Biothreat Rule Out or Refer: Virtual Knowledge Exercise