Response networks

Many diseases, including anthrax, are most effectively treated before actual manifestation of the symptoms is observed. Presently a presumptive identification of Bacillus anthracis can be made in about 3 hours however, if a full laboratory response network (LRN) confirmation procedure is utilized, the theoretical time increases substantially to approximately 48 hours. During the recent anthrax cases 72 to 96 hours were common to complete the entire LRN protocol. In the meantime antibiotics were administered as a precaution based on the presumptive results to individuals thought to be exposed to B. anthracis spores or with anthrax symptoms. The mass administering of antibiotics from a cost standpoint, as well as from medical prudence to prevent the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains, is not the optimal answer to the anthrax infection problem. Therefore it is important that early tests be rapid and reliable with a minimum number of false positive and false negative results. 

Coordinate all aspects of testing, packaging, and transporting with public health laboratory/Laboratory Response Network (LRN). 

Laboratory Response Network (LRN)—A network of labs developed by the CDC, APHL, and FBI for the express purpose of dealing with bioterrorism threats, including pathogens and some biotoxins. 

Increased global and national resources for training, surveillance, laboratory capacity, response networks, and prevention campaigns... 

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 2006a. Laboratory Response Network. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [online]. Available http //www.bt.cdc.gov/lrn/pdf/lrn-overview-presentation.pdf [accessed Jan. 18, 2006]. 

An example of an international surveillance network is the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN WHO, 2006). The GOARN, which is overseen by WHO, includes f20 networks and institutions in WHO member nations and provides electronic data on infectious disease outbreaks around the world. 

World Health Organization. (2006). Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. Retrieved March 10, 2005, from http // www.who.int/emc/global outbreak network.htm... 

Describe the structure and functions of the Laboratory Response Network. 

In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Laboratory Response Network (LRN). The CRN s purpose is to run a network of labs that can respond to biological and chemical terrorism. The LRN has grown to greater than 100 LRN laboratories since it was established. It now includes state and local public health, veterinary, military, and international labs. 

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION S DISASTER RESPONSE NETWORK ... 

C., Sonic hedgehog a key mediator of anterior-posterior patterning of the limb and dorso-ventral patterning of axial embryonic structures, Biochem. Soc. Trans. 22, 569-574, 1994 Bumcrot, D.A. and McMahon, A.R., Somite differentiation. Sonic signals somites, Curr. Biol. 5, 612-614, 1995 Lum, L. and Beachy, R.A., The Hedgehog response network sensors, switches, and routers. Science 304, 1755-1759, 2004 Ishibashi, M., Saitsu, H., Komada, M., and Shiota, K., Signaling cascade coordinating... 

In the absence of an unambiguous history of ricin exposure, the preferred diagnostic method is specific immunoassay of ricin in serum, respiratory secretions, or other clinical samples associated with poisoning. Most of the methods described for ricin detection are experimental or are under development. The CDC and the Federal Laboratory Response Network have the capability to detect ricin in environmental specimens using validated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and time-resolved immunofluorescence assays, with cell-based bioassays to confirm ricin activity. The U.S. Department of Defense has produced experimental field immunoassays, but commercial distribution of field test kits currently is limited. 

The Communicable Disease Center created the Laboratory Response Network for Terrorism (LRNT) and a Rapid-Response Advanced Technology (RRAT) laboratory, both linked to the Enviromnental Protection Agency. 

For a contact list, see the links provided by the Association of Pubhc Health Laboratories.) These laboratories are part of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN), a multilevel system designed to link state and local laboratories with advanced-capacity biosafety facilities and to provide surge capacity in the event of a bioterrorism incident. 

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