What kind of » homeland security,» terrorism, or other crime-related testing is done at the Lab?
The Lab would have a small but vital role assisting public safety officials during certain kinds of terrorist events. Though the vast majority of our work is routine testing and natural disease outbreaks, we participate in several emergency exercises each year with firefighters, police, and other first responders. The Lab, along with sister public health laboratories in other states, is part of a cooperative effort called the Laboratory Response Network. The Lab tests suspected white powder-type samples to assist law enforcement. These samples are analyzed in the BSL 3 lab by trained staff. The samples are small amounts, from the size of a cotton swab to a spoonful. We test these samples in a secure, contained area. This type of testing is rare. In 2007 the Lab tested only seven of this type of samples.
The Lab would have a small but vital role assisting public safety officials during certain kinds of terrorist events. Though the vast majority of our work is routine testing and natural disease outbreaks, we participate in several emergency exercises each year with firefighters, police, and other first responders. The Lab, along with sister public health laboratories in other states, is part of a cooperative effort called the Laboratory Response Network. The Lab tests suspected white powder-type samples to assist law enforcement. These samples are analyzed in the BSL 3 lab by trained staff. The samples are small amounts, from the size of a cotton swab to a spoonful. We test these samples in a secure, contained area. This type of testing is rare. In 2007 the Lab tested only seven of this type of samples.
