Dear Colleague:

As of September 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first diagnosis of Ebola virus disease in a patient in a U.S. facility. The CDC has issued Interim Guidance for Specimen Collection, Transport, Testing, and Submission for Persons under Investigation for Ebola Virus Disease in the United States. The ASM Laboratory Practices Committee has also drafted an interim guidance document that provides additional procedures to assist laboratory personnel in ensuring safe handling of specimens that may contain Ebola virus.

ASM has compiled a list of resources to help you to follow the outbreak and find the most current guidelines on the ASM Ebola Resource Page.  This page will be updated as new material becomes available.

Sincerely,

Ronald M. Atlas, Ph.D.
Chair, Public and Scientific Affairs Board

Susan E. Sharp, Ph.D. ABMM, FAAM
Chair, Committee on Laboratory Practices

Robert C. Jerris, Ph.D., D(ABMM)
Chair, Committee on Professional Affairs