Lab Matters Summer 2018 | Page 83

APHL 2018 Annual Meeting Poster Abstracts

regional peculiarities and needs . It also ensures repeatability of results when systems and test kits are distributed and used on a broad scale . In addition , CDC provides standard operating procedures , reagents and training to implement and maintain assays developed on these technologies . The LRN-B currently utilizes multiple technologies for the detection of biological threat agents , including polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ), time-resolved fluorescence ( TRF ) and a variety of automated extraction platforms . More recently , the LRN is exploring matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization – time of flight ( MALDI-TOF ) mass spectrometry with the goal of improving time to detection . As the technology progresses , APHL and CDC have collaborated with LRN-B member laboratories on multi-center validation studies , training courses and developing guidance for these detection technologies . This poster will discuss the technology collaborations to improve biological threat detection capacity and capabilities in LRN member laboratories .

Presenter : Tyler Wolford , BS , MS , Association of Public Health Laboratories , Silver Spring , MD , Phone : 240.485.2775 , Email : tyler . wolford @ aphl . org

Collaborative Recovery Efforts to Restore Public Health Laboratory Testing Following Landfall of a Category 4 Hurricane in the Tropics — Puerto Rico , 2017

M . C . Hardy , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA

Background : On September 20 , 2017 , Hurricane Maria severely damaged the Puerto Rico Department of Health ( PRDH ) building infrastructure , resulting in immediate and long-term impacts to public health laboratory capacity . Working with PRDH , the CDC Restoration of Services Team began interagency recovery and restoration efforts at affected facilities , in conjunction with FEMA , USACE , EPA and FDA . Testing for seven laboratories ( Rabies , Influenza , Tuberculosis , Bacteriology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases ( STDs ), Milk and Water ) was affected across four locations .

Methods : Working with PRDH laboratory subject matter experts ( SMEs ), the CDC Team inventoried and procured essential supplies for the laboratories . The CDC Team also assisted PRDH staff with implementing quality management system ( QMS ) modules to increase accuracy , reliability and timeliness for specimen shipping and tracking . The QMS provided support toward long-term recovery and complemented PRDH ’ s emergency preparedness and readiness plans .

Results : More than 117 essential laboratory consumables and instruments needed to restore testing were identified . By January 5 , 2018 , CDC Foundation had ordered 97 % and PRDH had received 54 % of these items . Three standard operating procedures were created for specimen shipping , specimen tracking and the receipt and installation of new equipment , including calibration and servicing of instruments . The impact on CLIA testing was mitigated in consultation with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS ), who issued a temporary waiver for proficiency testing . By December 2017 , testing had resumed for the Rabies and STDs laboratories .

Conclusions : Diagnostic capabilities at local public health laboratories are at risk during natural disasters . Public health laboratories can be secured using the immediate and long-term strategies developed by the CDC Team . Public health laboratory mitigation strategies were developed that can be adapted to various emergencies or disaster responses .

Presenter : Margaret Hardy , MSc , PhD , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , Phone : 404.639.3217 , Email : nrl4 @ cdc . gov

Fifteen Years of Preparedness : Are US Public Health Laboratories Ready ?

S . Abrams , J . Liebreich , C . N . Mangal and J . Nassif , Association of Public Health Laboratories , Silver Spring , MD

The capabilities needed for a laboratory to prepare for and respond to incidents relies on its ability to operate properly . Funding remains a persistent concern among many member laboratories . This year marks the 15-year anniversary of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness ( PHEP ) funding cooperative agreement , which provides funding to many of our member laboratories across the country . It serves a critical need to help ensure that laboratories are funded for emergency preparedness initiatives .

This abstract details preparedness and response funding , highlighting the history of PHEP funding and how it is critical in ensuring our nations laboratories operate effectively when faced with the next public health threat . It describes how funding sources support PHEP capabilities for biological , chemical and radiological threats . Association of Public Health Laboratories ( APHL ) member laboratories utilize PHEP funding to address preparedness needs and ensure the public is safe from the next threat .

This presentation will exhibit the 15-year history of PHEP funding , accomplishments and ongoing challenges . Specifics will be provided for how differing state public health laboratories utilize PHEP funding .

Presenter : Samuel Abrams , Association of Public Health Laboratories , Silver Spring , MD , Phone : 240.485.2731 , Email : samuel . abrams @ aphl . org

Facility Assessments Rapidly Identify Public Health Laboratory Needs Following Hurricane Maria — Puerto Rico , 2017

R . C . Stinnett , J . Concepción-Acevedo , V . de Jesus , J . Quiñones , M . Ansbro , A . de Leon , G . Rao , B . B . White , M . C . Hardy , J . Castro-Georgi , E . Ribot , A . M . Mercante , D . Lowe , R . González Peña , R . I . Cuevas Ruiz , H . Rivera Arbolay , E . Martinez Rondón , G . Rodríguez Plá , B . del Valle Rosado , N . M . Sanchez , J . F . Crespo Ramos , C . Deseda , M . T . Tirado , C . L . Bean , A . Cannons , C . N . Mangal , M . Mcgarvey , T . Wolford , A . Muehlenbachs , N . Anderson , M . Lozier , B . Sunshine , A . Patel , C . Luna-Pinto , S . Pillai and E . O ’ Neill , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA

Background : Hurricane Maria interrupted public health laboratory services provided by Puerto Rico Department of Health ( PRDH ), including proficiency and diagnostic testing , surveillance and analysis of water and milk . In response to a request for assistance from PRDH , CDC collaborated with APHL and USACE , FEMA and HHS / ASPR to perform systematic assessments . The objectives were to assess short-term and long-term PRDH laboratory needs .

Methods : The PRDH system includes a central public health laboratory facility and the Biological and Chemical Emergencies Laboratory ( BCEL ) in San Juan and satellite facilities in Arecibo , Mayaguez and Ponce . Beginning October 13 , 2017 , APHL scientists and the Restoration of Services Team , including laboratory scientists from CDC , FEMA liaison , CDC senior public health

Preparedeness and Response