Packing and Shipping Dangerous Goods: What the Laboratory Staff Must Know
Description
The goal of this course is to provide training on packing and shipping Division 6.2 infectious substances and dry ice. This course provides a certificate of completion, but does not provide certification for transport of dangerous goods. Individuals can only be certified by their employer.
Audience
This basic-level course is intended for public health and clinical laboratory staff involved in any step of the packing or transport process of patient samples or cultures.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Recognize requirements for initial and recurrent training and certification for the transportation of Division 6.2 infectious substances and dry ice
- Identify applicable regulations and requirements for the transportation of Division 6.2 infectious substances and dry ice
- Determine the proper course of action for packing and shipping Division 6.2 infectious substances and dry ice
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 2 contact hours of P.A.C.E.® credit.
P.A.C.E.® Course Number: 288-027-24.
Ready? Set? Test! Patient Testing Is Important. Get the Right Results.
Description
The training should help to assure that testing personnel have the basic training necessary to safely and accurately perform patient testing waived under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. After viewing this basic-level training module, participants should understand that waived testing can produce inaccurate results and that these results could adversely impact patients. There are many things they can do, however, to minimize the risk of inaccurate testing. The learning objectives itemize several specific things that the participant should be able to do as a result of this training.
Audience
Laboratory professionals and personnel performing patient testing with waived tests.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Identify the basic requirements for performing waived testing.
- Identify at least three good laboratory practices for preparing the laboratory or testing site to produce high quality test results.
- Describe the role, responsibilities, and scope of practice as a team member performing CLIA-waived test
- Identify at least two good laboratory practices that assure the right sample type is obtained from the correct patient.
- Identify patient samples that are labeled correctly.
- Identify at least two good laboratory practices for testing.
- Identify at least two good laboratory practices for recording and reporting results.
Continuing Education
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.5 contact hour(s) of P.A.C.E.® credit.
P.A.C.E.® Course Number: 288-032-24.
See CDC Course Accreditation document in the left box for more details.
To receive Continuing Medical Education (CME), Continuing Nurse Education (CNE), Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE), Certified Public Health (CPH), Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®, Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®), or Continuing Education Units (CEU), follow the steps below January 19, 2026.
1. Complete the course in OneLab REACH.
2. Pass the posttest at 70%.
3. Copy the passcode provided after passing the posttest.
4. Go to CDC TRAIN and register for the Ready? Set? Test! Patient Testing is Important. Get the Right Results (Web-based) - WB4519R course.
5. Check the box for each type of CE you wish to apply for when registering for the course.
6. Select the **Mark Completed** button on the course page in TRAIN.
7. Enter the passcode when prompted.
8. Complete the evaluation in CDC TRAIN.
You can access your CME, CNE, CPE, CPH, CHES®, MCHES® or CEU certificates and transcript by visiting **Your Learning** in TRAIN.
Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Proficiency Testing
Description
This basic-level course provides foundational information about CLIA proficiency testing (PT) including the PT process, scoring procedures, and referral.
Audience
This basic-level course is designed for individuals with roles associated with clinical laboratory testing, including those who conduct tests or support other activities related to the clinical testing process. This includes clinical and public health laboratory testing personnel, supervisors, consultants, directors, quality professionals, and anyone interested in CLIA proficiency testing basics.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Identify the four steps in the proficiency testing (PT) process
- Locate the resource that identifies which nonwaived tests require PT
- Determine when to participate in PT versus performing alternative assessments
- List the corrective steps to take for a failed PT score
- Identify their responsibilities in ensuring compliance with PT requirements
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1 contact hour(s) P.A.C.E.® credit.
P.A.C.E.® Course Number: 288-035-24.
See CDC Course Accreditation document in the left box for more details.
To receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Education Units (CEU), follow the steps below by November 1, 2026.
1. Complete the course in OneLab REACH.
2. Pass the posttest at 70%.
3. Copy the passcode provided after passing the posttest.
4. Go to CDC TRAIN and register for the Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Proficiency Testing (Web Based) – WB4907 course.
5. Check the box for each type of CE you wish to apply for when registering for the course.
6. Select the **Mark Completed** button on the course page in TRAIN.
7. Enter the passcode when prompted.
8. Complete the evaluation in CDC TRAIN.
You can access your CME or CEU certificates and transcript by visiting **Your Learning** in TRAIN.
Fundamentals of Bloodborne Pathogens
Course Description
This basic-level course introduces clinical and public health laboratory professionals to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The course includes how bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted, the most common types of bloodborne pathogens, control measures that can reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens, and what to do if an exposure occurs.
Audience
This basic-level course is intended for clinical and public health laboratory staff and others who work with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Discuss the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- Identify the three most common bloodborne pathogens
- Discuss how bloodborne pathogens are spread
- Discuss control measures that can reduce the risk of exposure to BBP in the workplace
- Apply the guidelines according to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for incidents, exposures and reporting
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.0 contact hour(s) of P.A.C.E.® credit.
P.A.C.E.® Course Number: 288-034-24.
Fundamentals of Quality Management Systems
Description
This basic-level course provides information on the key elements of laboratory quality management systems for clinical and public health laboratory professionals.
Audience
Clinical and public health laboratory professionals.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Identify three benefits of a laboratory quality management system (QMS)
- Describe the basic process of implementing a laboratory QMS
- Describe their role and responsibilities as a team member implementing laboratory QMS
- Identify the 12 quality system essentials (QSE)
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.0 contact hour(s) P.A.C.E.® credit.
P.A.C.E.® Course Number: 288-033-24.
See CDC Course Accreditation document in the left box for more details.
To receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Education Units (CEU), follow the steps below by August 1, 2026.
1. Complete the course in OneLab REACH.
2. Pass the posttest at 70%.
3. Copy the passcode provided after passing the posttest.
4. Go to CDC TRAIN and register for the Fundamentals of Quality Management Systems (Web Based) - WB4833 course.
5. Check the box for each type of CE you wish to apply for when registering for the course.
6. Select the **Mark Completed** button on the course page in TRAIN.
7. Enter the passcode when prompted.
8. Complete the evaluation in CDC TRAIN.
You can access your CME or CEU certificates and transcript by visiting **Your Learning** in TRAIN.
Routine Microscopy Procedures
Description
Laboratory professionals should have basic knowledge and understanding of routine microscopy procedures and techniques. This course is designed to explore the processes, procedures, and techniques necessary for completing routine microscopic examinations of laboratory specimens. This eLearning course will introduce laboratory professionals to microscopy procedures for smear preparation, as well as preparing and interpreting the results of a Gram stain, wet mount, potassium hydroxide (KOH), and India Ink procedures.
Audience
This basic level course is designed for new or existing public health and clinical laboratory professionals, individuals with a science background who are entering or reentering the microbiology field, or individuals needing training on basic microscopy procedures.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Outline the steps of preparing a smear.
- Express the purpose of the Gram stain procedure.
- Identify the types of reagents used in the Gram stain procedure.
- Sequence the steps in the Gram stain procedure.
- Interpret the results seen in the bacterial cells, with the effects of the various reagents during the Gram stain procedure.
- Outline the steps of preparing a wet mount and interpret results.
- Describe the potassium hydroxide (KOH) procedure and its uses.
- Identify the steps and results obtained in the India ink procedure.
- Identify and resolve commonly encountered problems during routine microscopy procedures.
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.5 contact hours of P.A.C.E.® credit.
P.A.C.E.® Course Number: 288-023-24.
Fundamentals of Methylene Chloride Safety
P.A.C.E.® credit for this course expires on August 31, 2025. If you register for the course prior to the expiration date, you can complete it and obtain a P.A.C.E®. certificate. If you register after the expiration date, you can obtain a general certificate of completion.
Description
This basic-level course provides information on the chemical properties and adverse health effects associated with the use of methylene chloride, or dichloromethane (DCM), in clinical and public health laboratories.
Audience
This basic-level course is for clinical and public health laboratory professionals who may be exposed to methylene chloride.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Recognize the chemical properties of methylene chloride
- Recognize hazards and exposure effects associated with methylene chloride
- Recognize control measures for reducing exposure to methylene chloride
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.0 contact hours.
P.A.C.E. ® Course Number: 288-012-23
Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety
P.A.C.E.® credit for this course expires on July 31, 2025. If you register for the course prior to the expiration date, you can complete it and obtain a P.A.C.E®. certificate. If you register after the expiration date, you can obtain a general certificate of completion.
Description
The course introduces clinical and public health laboratory professionals to the hazards they may encounter while working in a clinical or public health laboratory, ways to mitigate risks, and the proper response to incidents.
Audience
This basic-level course is for all laboratory staff at clinical and public health laboratories.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Recognize laboratory hazards and identify safety resources.
- Describe how risk assessment and control measures are used to mitigate risks.
- Recognize incidents and near misses in the laboratory and how to report them.
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.5 contact hours.
P.A.C.E. ® Course Number: 288-013-23
Fundamentals of Communicating the Hazards of Laboratory Chemicals
Description
Communicating the hazards of laboratory chemicals is of critical importance to people who work in laboratories where hazardous chemicals are routinely used and stored. This course introduces OSHA Standards and their role in providing information to laboratory staff regarding the hazardous properties of chemicals used in the laboratory.
Audience
This basic-level online course is designed for public health and clinical laboratory staff, safety professionals and others who work in laboratories where hazardous chemicals are routinely used and stored.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Recognize the function of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom Standard) in providing chemical hazard information to laboratory workers.
- Describe the elements and the communication mechanisms of the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom Standard)
- Interpret signal words and pictograms, and also communicate chemical hazards to other staff members using best laboratory practices.
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.0 contact hours.
P.A.C.E. ® Course Number: 288-001-23
Fundamentals of Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders Safely
Description
The safe handling of compressed gas cylinders is critical for laboratory staff. Proper handling of compressed gases and gas cylinders creates a safe laboratory.
This course introduces clinical and public health laboratory professionals to the physical and chemical hazards associated with compressed gas and compressed gas cylinders, control measures to mitigate risks, and how to work safely with compressed gases and gas cylinders in the laboratory.
Audience
This basic-level course is designed for clinical and public health laboratory staff, safety professionals, and others interested in the safe use of compressed gases and compressed gas cylinders.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Recognize the physical and chemical hazards of compressed gas cylinders and the associated risks when working with them.
- Identify work practices and control measures to safely store, transport and handle compressed gas cylinders.
- Describe methods for controlling the risks based on the specific type of gas.
- Describe how to safely select and attach the correct gas regulator.
- List the steps to follow when removing the gas regulator.
- Identify how to test for a leak in the system when attaching the regulator to the cylinder.
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.0 contact hours.
P.A.C.E.® course number: 288-014-23