Table 16.2.

Examples of laboratory networks in the United States [7]

Network	Description
LRN [13]	The CDC manages the Laboratory Response Network (LRN). This includes the CDC LRN-Biological (LRN-B) and CDC LRN-Chemical (LRN-C). The mission of the LRN is “to maintain an integrated national and international network of laboratories that are fully equipped to respond quickly to acts of chemical and biological terrorism, emerging infectious diseases, and other public health threats and emergencies.” Due to the sensitive nature of CDC’s bioterrorism preparedness activities, details of LRN-B operations are protected against general public access and distribution. These details, designated as “Sensitive But Unclassified,” are maintained at CDC, and require coordination with the LRN LIMS Integration team to obtain. The LRN provides specifications about the message format (HL7® v2.x) and data content, including standardized vocabulary (for example LOINC® and SNOMED CT®)
ERLN [14]	The Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN) is managed by EPA. The ERLN consists of federal, state, and commercial laboratories that focus on responding quickly to an environmental chemical, biological, or radiological terrorist attack, as well as natural disasters affecting human health and the environment. The ERLN provides an Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD), which can be either a spreadsheet or the recommended XML format and a Data Exchange Template (DET) with data element definitions and groupings. The ERLN also provides a Web-based Electronic Data Review tool that automates the assessment of EDDs by providing web access for upload by the laboratory and review by project personnel
FERN [15]	The Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) is managed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The primary objectives of FERN are to help prevent attacks on the food supply through utilization of targeted food surveillance; prepare for emergencies by strengthening laboratory capabilities to respond to threats, attacks, and emergencies in the food supply; and to assist in recovery from such an incident. FERN uses the Electronic Laboratory Exchange Network (eLEXNET) that allows multiple government agencies engaged in food safety activities to compare, communicate, and coordinate findings of laboratory analyses
NAHLN [16]	The National Animal Health Laboratory Network’s (NAHLN) purpose is to enhance the nation’s early detection of, response to, and recovery from animal health emergencies. Such emergencies might include bioterrorist incidents, newly emerging diseases, and foreign animal disease agents that threaten the nation’s food supply and public health
GISN [17]	The WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN) receives result reports and samples of isolates from participating state and municipal PHLs to monitor influenza disease burden, detect potential novel pandemic strains, and obtain suitable virus isolates for vaccine development