The UHL is collaborating with the Minnesota Public Health Laboratory and the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory to create the Automated Electronic Influenza Reporting System. Through an electronic interface, each of the three laboratories will be able to order influenza testing and obtain results directly from each others' computer systems.

"The need to rapidly order tests and access results is particularly critical during disease outbreaks," said UHL Director Christopher Atchison. "This grant will help Iowa meet surges in testing and creates a structure for Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska to assist each other during public health emergencies."

This design will allow rapid test ordering and reporting for influenza and influenza-like illnesses. It also will support these laboratories in providing each other with back-up testing during a pandemic and potentially during other emergencies.

"This is not only a new system for the Midwest; it is the first of its kind anywhere," said IDPH Director Tom Newton. "This technology ensures Iowa is ready, should we ever face a health emergency."

The Automated Electronic Influenza Reporting System will use the Health Level Seven (HL7) standard to create test order and result messages that are understood by the Laboratory Information System of each laboratory. HL7 is the de facto standard for exchanging healthcare information for large hospitals, commercial laboratories and the CDC.

UHL's Information Technology (IT) staff will work with the subject-matter experts and IT staff from the Minnesota and Nebraska laboratories to create message guidelines, harmonize orders and results, establish the electronic interface and implement the new program. After completion, this design will be made available to other state laboratories as a template for creating similar systems.