FIGURE C-3 NAHLN Structure.

approved for Bacillus anthracis and Burkholderia spp. The LRN laboratories function as confirmatory laboratories for other diagnostic laboratories and will process overflow samples in the event that a bioterrorist event were to occur.⁹³

LRN was instituted in 1999 in preparation for the U.S. response to bioterrorism. The mission of LRN and its partners is to maintain an integrated national and international network of laboratories that is fully equipped to respond quickly to acts of chemical or biological terrorism, emerging infectious diseases, and public health threats and emergencies.⁹⁴ CDC runs the LRN program with direction and recommendations provided by the following agencies and organizations:⁹⁵

• The Association of Public Health Laboratories

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (Department of Justice)

• The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians

• The American Society for Microbiology

• The EPA

• USDA

• DoD

• FDA

• DHS

LRN is a consortium of about 120 laboratories, which provide immediate and sustained laboratory testing and communication in the event of public health emergencies, particularly bioterrorism-related events. The network includes the following types of labs:⁹⁶