Laboratories in 24 hospitals and clinics across the state are expected to participate in the initial phase, currently under way. UHL scientists will provide the training onsite to assess influenza testing capacities, biosafety practices, and provide updates on national and state pandemic planning. The second phase, to begin later this spring, includes 12 hands-on sessions, two in each of the state's six bioterrorism planning regions. Topics will include laboratory testing, preparing biosafety materials, and packaging and shipping of specimens. Representatives from as many as 120 laboratories are expected to participate in this program.

Sandy Jirsa

UHL's Trisha Kreman, microbiologist, and Sandy Jirsa, supervisor of virology, helped develop the program and have been traveling throughout Iowa to deliver onsite training to laboratorians.

"The laboratories taking part in this important training are considered sentinel labs because they are among the first to receive specimens for testing, which means that they also are on the front lines of any epidemics," explains UHL Interim Director Chris Atchison. "It is critical that we supply these scientists with the latest training on how to prepare for an outbreak and handle specimens on a routine basis as well as during an outbreak."

Development of a database for clinical laboratories that perform rapid influenza testing is another component of the program slated to continue through May. Such a database will provide the communications structure to rapidly transmit testing information, saving time and potentially saving lives.

Trisha Kreman

"Based on previous efforts, UHL has learned that there are at least 120 laboratories in Iowa that perform rapid influenza testing," says Dr. Michael Pentella, UHL interim associate director of infectious disease. "Meeting with these labs through onsite discussions and regional table top exercises helps everyone to be better prepared to face the emergency that pandemic influenza will present."