This one-day, intermediate level hands-on workshop will provide an overview of the sentinel clinical laboratory scientists’ role in the presumptive identification of the primary agents of bioterrorism. Participants will learn about the Laboratory Response Network and sentinel level clinical laboratory protocols, updated in 2017. Laboratory demonstrations will outline the microbiology of these agents so that participants can recognize the culture, staining, and biochemical characteristics. The safety implications of handling suspected pathogens in clinical isolates and culture will be emphasized.
This workshop is designed for laboratorians who handle clinical specimens and cultures.
Objectives At the conclusion of this program, the participants will be able to:
•Discuss the role of the clinical laboratorian in thepresumptive identification of suspect agents ofbioterrorism.
•Explain the safety implications of handling suspectbioterrorism organisms in clinical specimens and isolates.
•Describe the clinical presentation and biochemicalcharacteristics of Bacillus anthracis, Brucella spp.,Burkholderia spp., Francisella tularensis, and Yersiniapestis.
•Outline the process for referring suspect organisms to theMontana Public Health Laboratory.