In coordination with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), ASM has updated protocols designed to offer Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratories standardized, practical methods and techniques to rule out microorganisms suspected as agents of bioterrorism, or to refer specimens to public health laboratories for confirmation.
This guideline focuses on smallpox (Variola virus) and was originally published in 2013 but was updated in March 2025.
Summary of Major Changes:
Emphasis for sentinel level laboratories is shifted to coordination with relevant public health authorities in the case of suspected smallpox prior to any specimen collection or testing.
Updated to include considerations for laboratories performing routine viral culture.
