The Role of the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) in Laboratory Preparedness and Response
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Build Public-Private Partnerships
DLS is taking a systems approach to develop increased diagnostic testing capacity nationwide, especially during public health emergencies. The lack of adequate laboratory testing capacity was evident during the response to the Zika outbreak in 2016. To address this issue, DLS is developing formal partnerships with large commercial laboratories to provide substantially increased testing capacity in advance of the next emerging infectious disease outbreak. DLS can also provide guidance and training to advance quality testing, effective reporting, and safe practices to build surge capacity infrastructure.
Strengthen Communications
Using the DLS Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS), CDC can provide consistent and timely communication to clinical partners during an emergency response. Currently, LOCS is a functional CDC mailbox (LOCS@cdc.gov) managed by DLS technical experts, designed to update and answer questions from clinical laboratories across the nation. LOCS will be available to deliver messages from the Joint Information Center, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and CDC programs during emergencies, and in coordination with state public health laboratories. LOCS will also facilitate requests for additional laboratory surge capacity in collaboration with the EOC Laboratory Task Force.
Coordinate Federal Agencies
The Zika response and other recent events have identified the need for CDC, Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to collaborate more seamlessly in developing and deploying emergency use diagnostic assays. To address this issue, DLS will collaborate with partners to develop a standardized process for future engagement and use of Emergency Use Authorization and laboratory diagnostic tests during an emergency.
- Page last reviewed: May 11, 2017
- Page last updated: May 11, 2017
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