Biothreat 101 Workshop

Biothreat 101 Workshop

This hands-on program will provide an overview of the clinical laboratory’s role as a sentinel laboratory, including the presumptive identification of some of the primary agents of bioterrorism. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate the culture, staining and biochemical characteristics of Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella spp., Burkholderia mallei, and Burholderia pseudomallei. The safety implications of handling suspect organisms in clinical isolates and culture and suspect toxins will be emphasized. Policies related to select agents and packaging and shipping of specimens will be reviewed.