Core Science
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Flowchart of Gram stain morphology that can be used to identify aerobic Gram-positive cocci.
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Aerobic Gram-Positive Rods Flowchart
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Flowchart (with images) distinguishing alpha and gamma-hemolytic streptococci on blood agar plates.
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Summary of characteristics (with images) that can be used to distinguish alpha streptococci from streptococcus pneumoniae on blood agar plates.
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Summary of characteristics (with images) that can be used to identify Bacillus spp.
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Flowchart that can be used to identify bacteria by using Gram-positive stain.
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Compound microscopes require regular cleaning to help ensure accurate diagnoses and prevent damage to the microscope. However, microscopes are delicate instruments that must be handled with care. Do not use toilet paper, Kleenex, or paper towels as these may contain particulates that could scratch the lenses. Do not apply pressure. This video gives walks you through the basic techniques used to clean your microscope from top to bottom. Consult your manual on the preferred cleaning solution.
Video Transcript -
A microscope is a very important instrument in the laboratory. It is necessary to focus your microscope when viewing specimens to perform a proper analysis and give an accurate diagnosis. This video gives a brief overview of how to focus on a specimen using a compound microscope. It demonstrates the steps in focusing a compound light microscope from 10X to 100X. The use of immersion oil for the 100X lens is also specifically shown.
Video Transcript -
To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to visualize samples as clearly as possible. Köhler illumination is a light microscopy where the user aligns the illuminating optics to produce a uniform background, maximize contrast, minimize artifacts, and reduce stray light. This video is a brief tutorial on how to set Köhler illumination on a compound microscope to get a brilliant image. Please note that the ability to adjust the condenser aperture or field aperture (diaphragm) may vary by manufacturer. Consult your manual for additional instructions.
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The most common type of microscope is a compound light microscope. It contains two or more lenses and uses visible light to produce a two-dimensional image of an object viewed through the oculars. This video provides a description of the three main sections of a microscope—the head, the arm, and the base—and their important components.
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Size is one of the most important physical features when identifying and characterizing an organism in the lab. The exact size of an organism can be determined using a calibrated ocular micrometer. An ocular micrometer is a calibrated ruler etched on a glass disk that is used for measuring organisms under a microscope. The ocular micrometer sits inside the eyepiece. This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to calibrate an ocular micrometer on a compound microscope with mathematical calculations. It also shows how to use the stage micrometer, which is a special glass slide clipped to the stage of the slide, to calibrate the ocular micrometer. Calibration should be done separately for each objective lens and different microscopes.
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Microscopes are important pieces of equipment used in the management of patient care. Compound microscopes have mechanical and optical components essential to their function and use. It is important to set up microscopes for optimal viewing every time it is used. This video gives a brief overview of how to set up a microscope for viewing a specimen on a slide.
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The creation of RNA is made possible by a process called bacterial transcription. Through transcription the information contained in a section of DNA is replicated to form a new piece of messenger RNA (mRNA). This video will cover the three steps to create mRNA. mRNA is used to manufacture proteins through a process called translation.
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Before a cell divides and DNA is passed from one cell to another, a complex process occurs. The DNA strands unwind and separate. Each strand makes a complementary strand by adding the appropriate nucleotides. As a result, there are now two double-stranded DNA molecules in the nucleus that contain the same information. This process is known as replication. This animation will describe the complex process in detail.
Video Transcript -
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a complex molecule of many components. These components can be divided into four main groups: basic elements, nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids. This video will describe how these four groups build upon each other to create the DNA molecule.
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RNA is similar in structure to DNA but is involved in different cellular functions. RNA contains the same basic elements of DNA but with three major differences in its structure. This video will describe these three differences. The video will also touch on the different types of RNA found in a cell and their functions.
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In performing molecular procedures in the laboratory, it is essential that you keep contamination down to a minimum. Contamination can affect the results of your test. This video will discuss the necessary steps that should be used in reducing contamination.
Video Transcript -
Column-based extraction is a method that employs selective binding of nucleic acid to a solid matrix, such as silica that is packed in a column. This video will show this procedure to remove nucleic acid from a specimen.
Video Transcript -
Gel electrophoresis is a method used for separation of nucleic acid using a porous gel matrix depending on the size of the nucleic acid. This video will show how this procedure is performed.
Video Transcript -
When performing liquid phase nucleic acid extraction, a method called alcoholic precipitation is used where contaminants such as organic solvents salts and proteins are removed from nucleic acid in a solution. This video will show how the procedure is performed.
Video Transcript -
Magnetic bead-based extraction is a method that utilizes small particles with a paramagnetic core that binds to nucleic acid. This video will show how the procedure is performed.
Video Transcript -
Organic extraction is a method used to separate nucleic acid and other cellular components based on their differential solubility. This method uses a mixture of organic solvents phenol and chloroform to extract unwanted cellular components from nucleic acid. This video will show how the procedure is performed.
Video Transcript -
Polymerase chain reaction or PCR is a technique for amplifying specific DNA fragments from a DNA template. PCR happens in three basic steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension. This video will show the steps in amplifying specific DNA fragments for the PCR technique.
Video Transcript -
Detection of PCR products in real time can be accomplished by using fluorescent dyes or probes. Fluorescently labeled probes detect the amount of specific double-stranded DNA sequences. While fluorescent dyes detect only the amount of double-stranded DNA, in this video we are going to look at the principles behind fluorescent dye-based detection method.
Video Transcript -
Flowchart (with images) that can be used to identify beta-hemolytic streptococci on blood agar plates
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Images of positive and negative biochemical tests for Gram negative organisms
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Images showing biochemical tests for identifying Gram- positive organisms
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Guide that facilitators/mentors can use to oversee the completion of Gram-negative laboratory exercises. The guide contains instructions for laboratory exercises, objectives, laboratory setup, supply list, job aids, and an answer key.
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Hands-on Gram-negative exercises that learners can use along with equipment in their laboratory to reinforce concepts from associated eLearning course.
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Guide that facilitators/mentors can use to oversee the completion of Gram-positive laboratory exercises. The guide contains instructions for laboratory exercises, objectives, laboratory setup, supply list, job aids, and an answer key.
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Instructions on how to calibrate the ocular micrometer.
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Instructions (with images) for care and maintenance of a microscope
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List of questions to consider while following a specimen from collection through microbiological testing.
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Descriptions (with images) showing colony morphology characteristics
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Table that describes various general media used in a public health or clinical microbiology laboratory.
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This job aid reviews basic information about diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for clinical laboratory testing.
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This resource guide includes available biological, chemical, and radiological resources for laboratories to reference during an emergency.
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Flowchart for identifying E. coli (non-stool)
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Guide that facilitators/mentors can use to oversee the completion of basic microscopy laboratory exercises. The guide contains objectives, laboratory setup, a supply list, and laboratory exercises, instructions, and an answer key as well as job aids.
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Instructions (with images) for focusing a microscope.
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List of supplies and reagents needed to conduct a Gram stain and instructions on how to conduct a Gram staining procedure.
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Images depicting Gram stain results and cell shapes and arrangements
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Flowchart for identifying lactose negative Gram-negative rods.
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Flowchart for identifying lactose positive Gram-positive rods.
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Gram-Negative Rods Non-Stool Pathogens Flowchart.
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Flowchart for identifying Gram-negative rods stool pathogens.
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Instructions and list of supplies (with images) for examining specimens for yeast
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Instructions (with images) for conducting Köhler illumination
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Summary of characteristics (with images) that can be used to identify listeria monocytogenes.
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Instructions and list of supplies (with images) for preparing a wet mount
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Demonstration of performing a direct smear from a specimen in the last step for culturing microorganisms.
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Demonstration of performing a gram stain procedure following the American Society of Microbiology’s Manual of Clinical Microbiology Procedures 10th Edition.
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Demonstration of the proper technique for performing an India ink stain.
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Demonstration of how to perform a potassium hydroxide or, KOH preparation, for detecting the presence of yeast in a specimen under a microscope.
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Demonstration of how to perform a wet mount using a bright-field microscope and the proper equipment.
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Guide that facilitators/mentors can use to oversee the completion of routine microscopy procedures laboratory exercises. The guide contains instructions for laboratory exercises, objectives, laboratory setup, supply list, job aids, and an answer key
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Diagram and definitions of microscope sections.
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Instructions and list of supplies (with images) describing the process of making a smear preparation
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Flowchart (with images) that can be used to identify staphylococci
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Chart and images that can be used to interpret TSI reactions.
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Flowchart for identifying Y. pestis.
Diagnostic Testing
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Steps to take if exposed to blood or bodily fluids.
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This infographic includes general information to improve COVID-19 specimen handling and processing for more accurate results.
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Fact sheet listing common questions and answers about genetic testing and results.
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Procedure for removing disposable gloves safely.
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Steps to take to wash hands.
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Fact sheet containing basic information about molecular genetic testing and results.
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Instructions for, and examples of, logging or recording results for qualitative tests, quantitative tests, quality control – qualitative tests, quality control – quantitative tests, and multiple tests.
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Instructions for performing external control testing including quality control log for qualitative and quantitative tests.
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Introduction video that covers best practices for working safely with Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride).
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Clinical and public health laboratories can use this toolkit to translate complex information into user-friendly messages for various audiences.
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An infographic and summary that depicts the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) as a “system of systems”.
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Laboratory Medicine Best Practices (LMBP) Data Abstraction Tool: LMBP Data Abstraction Coding Manual
Manual summarizing rules and guidelines for using a standardized abstraction form to record evidence for systematic reviews for best practices in laboratory medicine.
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This is a Thermo Fisher Scientific safety data sheet for methylene chloride.
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This infographic is a resource/tool to improve nasal mid-turbinate swab specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing.
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This infographic is a resource/tool to improve nasopharyngeal swab specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing.
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Checklist for setting up and preparing a workspace for conducting diagnostic tests.
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Blank results log for qualitative tests.
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Blank results log for quantitative tests.
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Blank results log for multiple tests.
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Blank results log with quality control for qualitative tests.
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Blank results log with quality control for quantitative tests.
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This is a sample chemical job hazard analysis that can be used to document a chemical’s hazards, volume, activities, exposure routes, and control measures volumes of specific chemicals used in the laboratory. Information on dichloromethane (methylene chloride) is used as an example.
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This job aid serves as a quick reference guide for personnel trained to pack and ship suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 specimens.
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Checklist containing study quality components.
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Fact sheet containing recommendations for laboratory professionals performing molecular genetic testing.
Informatics
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The LIMS manages the information workflow through the laboratory. It interfaces or interacts with many of the other systems within and outside the laboratory. These systems can include those that interface with laboratory instruments. This video will explain the difference between the LIMS and other laboratory systems.
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To understand how test results are obtained, you need to start from the beginning where specimens are collected. This video will give an overview of specimen collection, testing, and test results.
Video Transcript -
Data and reports may be sent to stakeholders outside the laboratory. Some examples of where data may be sent include electronic health records, vital records, and a disease registry. This data will follow at least one of two distinct paths. This video will discuss these two paths.
Video Transcript -
Depending on your laboratory certain tests may not be automated. This could be due to the nature of the test or because the testing instrument does not have a direct interface with the LIMS. For example, some tests require visual observation and manual data entry. This video will discuss important things to consider when results must be entered manually.
Video Transcript -
Laboratory data and test results must be properly stored and managed. Proper data storage is a critical component of ensuring data integrity throughout the laboratory process. All data and results must be stored; however, they can live in many places within the laboratory. The main repository for all laboratory data and results is usually a LIMS. This video will discuss how laboratory data is stored and linked to other pertinent information.
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Everyone inside and outside of the laboratory has an important role to play in laboratory informatics. The extent of the role and specific responsibilities will vary. This video will discuss specific roles and responsibilities of those working in the laboratory with laboratory informatics.
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The post analytic phase consists of communicating testing results and storage or disposal of the specimen. This video will describe how the LIMS is involved in communicating results and determining storage or disposal of the specimen.
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Laboratories play a crucial role in supporting public health. Accurate diagnoses of diseases and protection from health threats depend on a laboratory's ability to produce quality data. There are many areas in the life of a specimen workflow where data quality can be compromised. This video will discuss these areas and how compromised data can affect a patient’s health.
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Throughout the life of a specimen, the amount of data associated with a specimen increases creating various relationships made up of different types of data. This video will cover the different types of data captured in the LIMS, their relationship, and importance to each other.
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Data standards provide a method to convey information in valid, meaningful, and actionable ways. Although there are many types of data standards, in this video we will focus on data representation and data exchange standards.
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The last step in the analytic process is recording laboratory test results. After testing, results are either recorded manually or through automation into the LIMS. During this process it is imperative that the data is checked for accuracy to ensure incorrect data is not entered into the LIMS. This video will explain why it is important to ensure accuracy in reporting results.
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A LIMS helps laboratories track and manage the workflow of a specimen and its associated data from the time a specimen is received through the reporting of results. LIMS have many capabilities and benefits. In this video we will describe the capabilities, benefits, and limitations of a LIMS.
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Informatics is a broad field that encompasses information science, information technology algorithms, and social science. In these videos we will review two types of informatics: laboratory informatics and public health informatics.
Video Transcript
Packing & Shipping
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Blank results log for quantitative tests.
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Example of typical shipping papers used for ground transport of Category A substances
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This job aid defines the criteria to properly ship biological specimens to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Decision tree to help classify substance if shipping by motor vehicle courier/ground in accordance with Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
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Decision tree to help determine the classification for substance if shipping by air.
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Reference document for packing Category A, Category B, and Exempt Human and Exempt Animal Specimens.
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Reference table for labeling, marking, and documenting requirements for the various classifications and modes of transport.
Preparedness
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Chart listing characteristics of Bacillus Anthracis (Anthrax).
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Flowchart for identifying aerobic Gram-negative rods or Gram-negative coccobacilli
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Form used to provide an overview of important points to consider when conducting business from an Emergency Relocation Site.
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Chart listing characteristics of B. mallei.
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Flowchart used to identify or rule out B. mallei
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Chart listing characteristics of B. pseudomallei
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Flowchart used to rule out or refer B. pseudomallei
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Flowchart used to rule out or refer Bacillus anthracis.
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Chart listing characteristics of Brucella spp.
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Flowchart used to rule out or refer Brucella spp.
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Worksheet to list the various communications systems a laboratory uses, the current providers, restoration contacts, and backup modes of communication.
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A notification list used to determine who has the authority to activate the continuity of operations plan based on predetermined triggers and how others in the organization will be notified of the decision to activate.
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Worksheet to list all facilities in which the organization operates, and designations for which facilities will be needed in an emergency or disaster situation.
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Worksheet to list essential functions, personnel needed, and other important information needed to maintain the continuity of the essential function when moving to an alternate worksite.
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Flowchart to assist in determining whether to activate a continuity of operations plan.
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Worksheet to list an organization’s critical functions, the primary authority (e.g., decision-making, procurement), and the order of succession in case the primary authority is unavailable.
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Worksheet to ensure that secure methods of communications are available in a continuity of operations situation.
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Guide for recording priorities and essential functions for laboratory continuity of operations.
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Worksheet to determine overall staffing needs for essential laboratory functions.
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Instructions, guidance, and sample text for the development of continuity plans and programs.
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Table used to determine whether to activate a continuity of operations plan based on the impact various emergencies may have on the laboratory.
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Template that planners can use to detail how essential laboratory operations will continue in the event the primary operating facility is incapacitated and personnel are unavailable or incapable of deploying to the alternate facility.
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This job aid reviews basic information about diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for clinical laboratory testing.
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Chart listing characteristics of biothreat agents and similar organisms.
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Table listing characteristics of biothreat agents and similar organisms
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Chart differentiating Brucella spp. from other urea-positive, oxidase-positive gram-negative coccobacilli.
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Table to list contact information of emergency personnel and other important contacts.
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Examples of statements of applicability and scope for continuity of operations plans.
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Examples of executive summaries for continuity of operations plans.
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Examples of purpose statements for laboratory continuity of operations plans.
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Descriptions and images depicting characteristics of Francisella tularensis.
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Flowchart describing major characteristics in identifying Francisella tularensis
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Table listing examples of potential laboratory threats (e.g., earthquake or fire), mitigation measures, and risks.
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Worksheet to help identify essential and non-essential laboratory functions.
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This toolkit helps public health and clinical laboratory professionals create clear messages that build trust and increase credibility when communicating complex information to various audiences.
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This Laboratory Onboarding Template (LOT) is a central location for laboratory-specific information and foundational training resources to rapidly onboard new hires or surge support staff from multidisciplinary backgrounds.
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The Supply Chain Frequently Asked Questions Job Aid is a follow-up resource from the “Supply Chain Lessons Learned and Q&A” OneLab network event held on October 28, 2021.
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Worksheet to list individuals and organizations to notify in the event of an emergency and the person responsible for notifying them.
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Worksheet to notify staff and others when the laboratory’s continuity of operations plan is implemented.
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Worksheet to list essential functions, key personnel, and their successors.
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Table to list names and contact information for each employee.
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Flowchart used to rule out or refer Francisella tularensis
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Tool to help identify and prioritize essential laboratory functions.
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Worksheet to record changes to a continuity of operations plan outside the official plan review cycle.
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Table summarizing recommended biosafety levels for infectious agents
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Worksheet that planners can use to list testing, training, and exercise requirements and the frequency that each should occur.
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Worksheet for recording details about essential files, records, and databases that need to be accessed after the laboratory’s continuity of operations plan has been implemented.
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Yersinia pestis Characteristics Chart.
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Yersinia pestis Differentiation Chart.
Quality
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Protocol for labeling secondary laboratory containers.
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Regulatory requirements, resources including forms and examples, and images of common microscopic findings for the nine specific microscopic examinations that may be performed under a Certificate of PPM Procedures.
Safety
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Checklist of activities/tasks needed to safely use biological safety cabinets.
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This job aid contains personal safety work and general safety work practices for working in the Laboratory.
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List of personal, facility safety, and general safety work practices that are common to laboratory safety.
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Protocol for labeling secondary laboratory containers.
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Donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment is essential to keeping laboratorians and the public safe from possible contamination. This video focuses on donning and doffing a laboratory coat, gloves, and safety glasses with wrap around sides.
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This video demonstrates the donning and doffing of the following PPE: Gown, Gloves, Disposable Face Mask, and Face Shield. The doffing portion of this video demonstrates removing the gown and gloves.
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This video demonstrates the donning and doffing of the following PPE: Gown, Gloves, Disposable Face Mask, and Face Shield. The doffing portion of this video demonstrates removing the gown and gloves.
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Good work practices demonstrates the performance checks, the proper placement of equipment, and additional tasks needed to ensure a good performance of chemical fume hoods.
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How Airflow is Affected demonstrates how airflow in a chemical fume hood can be interrupted, altered, and changed by different factors.
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Cleaning Up a Spill demonstrates how to appropriately clean up a spill inside a biosafety cabinet
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Completing Work in a BSC demonstrates the steps to be performed after BSC work is completed.
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Factors Affecting Airflow inside the BSC demonstrates how Airflow in a biological safety cabinet or BSC can be interrupted, altered, and changed by many different factors. These interruptions can lead to potential exposures and/or product contamination.
Video Transcript -
Preparing for Work in a BSC demonstrates the performance checks, the proper placement of equipment, and additional tasks needed to prepare for working inside of a biological safety cabinet.
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Safe Use of a BSC depicts best practices to work safely in a BSC.
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Knowing how to properly use compressed gas cylinders is essential for maintaining a safe laboratory. The regulator on a gas cylinder controls the flow and pressure of gas from the cylinder to your laboratory equipment. This training video shows a step-by-step tutorial for safely attaching a regulator to a compressed gas cylinder, including the proper tools and how to check for damage.
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Checking your compressed gas cylinder for leaks will help keep your laboratory safe and will also help maintain accurate laboratory procedures. This training video shows how to use a bubble test to check for leaks and changes in gas pressure at both the inlet and outlet valves on the regulator. Regularly checking for leaks and keeping a record of these system checks helps maintain a safe working environment in the laboratory.
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This Laboratory Onboarding Template (LOT) is a central location for laboratory-specific information and foundational training resources to rapidly onboard new hires or surge support staff from multidisciplinary backgrounds.
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This is a Thermo Fisher Scientific safety data sheet for methylene chloride.
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Guidance for strengthening the culture of safety in the laboratory as it pertains to reporting incidents and near misses.
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This is a sample chemical job hazard analysis that can be used to document a chemical’s hazards, volume, activities, exposure routes, and control measures volumes of specific chemicals used in the laboratory. Information on dichloromethane (methylene chloride) is used as an example.
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This job aid provides tips for Selecting and Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
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Reference for items that are forbidden from being put down the drain.
Video Library
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Compound microscopes require regular cleaning to help ensure accurate diagnoses and prevent damage to the microscope. However, microscopes are delicate instruments that must be handled with care. Do not use toilet paper, Kleenex, or paper towels as these may contain particulates that could scratch the lenses. Do not apply pressure. This video gives walks you through the basic techniques used to clean your microscope from top to bottom. Consult your manual on the preferred cleaning solution.
Video Transcript -
A microscope is a very important instrument in the laboratory. It is necessary to focus your microscope when viewing specimens to perform a proper analysis and give an accurate diagnosis. This video gives a brief overview of how to focus on a specimen using a compound microscope. It demonstrates the steps in focusing a compound light microscope from 10X to 100X. The use of immersion oil for the 100X lens is also specifically shown.
Video Transcript -
To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to visualize samples as clearly as possible. Köhler illumination is a light microscopy where the user aligns the illuminating optics to produce a uniform background, maximize contrast, minimize artifacts, and reduce stray light. This video is a brief tutorial on how to set Köhler illumination on a compound microscope to get a brilliant image. Please note that the ability to adjust the condenser aperture or field aperture (diaphragm) may vary by manufacturer. Consult your manual for additional instructions.
Video Transcript -
Size is one of the most important physical features when identifying and characterizing an organism in the lab. The exact size of an organism can be determined using a calibrated ocular micrometer. An ocular micrometer is a calibrated ruler etched on a glass disk that is used for measuring organisms under a microscope. The ocular micrometer sits inside the eyepiece. This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to calibrate an ocular micrometer on a compound microscope with mathematical calculations. It also shows how to use the stage micrometer, which is a special glass slide clipped to the stage of the slide, to calibrate the ocular micrometer. Calibration should be done separately for each objective lens and different microscopes.
Video Transcript -
The creation of RNA is made possible by a process called bacterial transcription. Through transcription the information contained in a section of DNA is replicated to form a new piece of messenger RNA (mRNA). This video will cover the three steps to create mRNA. mRNA is used to manufacture proteins through a process called translation.
Video Transcript -
Before a cell divides and DNA is passed from one cell to another, a complex process occurs. The DNA strands unwind and separate. Each strand makes a complementary strand by adding the appropriate nucleotides. As a result, there are now two double-stranded DNA molecules in the nucleus that contain the same information. This process is known as replication. This animation will describe the complex process in detail.
Video Transcript -
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a complex molecule of many components. These components can be divided into four main groups: basic elements, nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids. This video will describe how these four groups build upon each other to create the DNA molecule.
Video Transcript -
RNA is similar in structure to DNA but is involved in different cellular functions. RNA contains the same basic elements of DNA but with three major differences in its structure. This video will describe these three differences. The video will also touch on the different types of RNA found in a cell and their functions.
Video Transcript -
In performing molecular procedures in the laboratory, it is essential that you keep contamination down to a minimum. Contamination can affect the results of your test. This video will discuss the necessary steps that should be used in reducing contamination.
Video Transcript -
Column-based extraction is a method that employs selective binding of nucleic acid to a solid matrix, such as silica that is packed in a column. This video will show this procedure to remove nucleic acid from a specimen.
Video Transcript -
Gel electrophoresis is a method used for separation of nucleic acid using a porous gel matrix depending on the size of the nucleic acid. This video will show how this procedure is performed.
Video Transcript -
When performing liquid phase nucleic acid extraction, a method called alcoholic precipitation is used where contaminants such as organic solvents salts and proteins are removed from nucleic acid in a solution. This video will show how the procedure is performed.
Video Transcript -
Magnetic bead-based extraction is a method that utilizes small particles with a paramagnetic core that binds to nucleic acid. This video will show how the procedure is performed.
Video Transcript -
Organic extraction is a method used to separate nucleic acid and other cellular components based on their differential solubility. This method uses a mixture of organic solvents phenol and chloroform to extract unwanted cellular components from nucleic acid. This video will show how the procedure is performed.
Video Transcript -
Polymerase chain reaction or PCR is a technique for amplifying specific DNA fragments from a DNA template. PCR happens in three basic steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension. This video will show the steps in amplifying specific DNA fragments for the PCR technique.
Video Transcript -
Detection of PCR products in real time can be accomplished by using fluorescent dyes or probes. Fluorescently labeled probes detect the amount of specific double-stranded DNA sequences. While fluorescent dyes detect only the amount of double-stranded DNA, in this video we are going to look at the principles behind fluorescent dye-based detection method.
Video Transcript -
Donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment is essential to keeping laboratorians and the public safe from possible contamination. This video focuses on donning and doffing a laboratory coat, gloves, and safety glasses with wrap around sides.
Video Transcript -
This video demonstrates the donning and doffing of the following PPE: Gown, Gloves, Disposable Face Mask, and Face Shield. The doffing portion of this video demonstrates removing the gown and gloves.
Video Transcript -
This video demonstrates the donning and doffing of the following PPE: Gown, Gloves, Disposable Face Mask, and Face Shield. The doffing portion of this video demonstrates removing the gown and gloves.
Video Transcript -
How Airflow is Affected demonstrates how airflow in a chemical fume hood can be interrupted, altered, and changed by different factors.
Video Transcript -
Cleaning Up a Spill demonstrates how to appropriately clean up a spill inside a biosafety cabinet
Video Transcript -
Completing Work in a BSC demonstrates the steps to be performed after BSC work is completed.
Video Transcript -
Factors Affecting Airflow inside the BSC demonstrates how Airflow in a biological safety cabinet or BSC can be interrupted, altered, and changed by many different factors. These interruptions can lead to potential exposures and/or product contamination.
Video Transcript -
Preparing for Work in a BSC demonstrates the performance checks, the proper placement of equipment, and additional tasks needed to prepare for working inside of a biological safety cabinet.
Video Transcript -
Safe Use of a BSC depicts best practices to work safely in a BSC.
Video Transcript -
Knowing how to properly use compressed gas cylinders is essential for maintaining a safe laboratory. The regulator on a gas cylinder controls the flow and pressure of gas from the cylinder to your laboratory equipment. This training video shows a step-by-step tutorial for safely attaching a regulator to a compressed gas cylinder, including the proper tools and how to check for damage.
Video Transcript -
Checking your compressed gas cylinder for leaks will help keep your laboratory safe and will also help maintain accurate laboratory procedures. This training video shows how to use a bubble test to check for leaks and changes in gas pressure at both the inlet and outlet valves on the regulator. Regularly checking for leaks and keeping a record of these system checks helps maintain a safe working environment in the laboratory.
Video Transcript -
To understand how test results are obtained, you need to start from the beginning where specimens are collected. This video will give an overview of specimen collection, testing, and test results.
Video Transcript -
Data and reports may be sent to stakeholders outside the laboratory. Some examples of where data may be sent include electronic health records, vital records, and a disease registry. This data will follow at least one of two distinct paths. This video will discuss these two paths.
Video Transcript -
Depending on your laboratory certain tests may not be automated. This could be due to the nature of the test or because the testing instrument does not have a direct interface with the LIMS. For example, some tests require visual observation and manual data entry. This video will discuss important things to consider when results must be entered manually.
Video Transcript -
Laboratory data and test results must be properly stored and managed. Proper data storage is a critical component of ensuring data integrity throughout the laboratory process. All data and results must be stored; however, they can live in many places within the laboratory. The main repository for all laboratory data and results is usually a LIMS. This video will discuss how laboratory data is stored and linked to other pertinent information.
Video Transcript -
Everyone inside and outside of the laboratory has an important role to play in laboratory informatics. The extent of the role and specific responsibilities will vary. This video will discuss specific roles and responsibilities of those working in the laboratory with laboratory informatics.
Video Transcript -
Laboratories play a crucial role in supporting public health. Accurate diagnoses of diseases and protection from health threats depend on a laboratory's ability to produce quality data. There are many areas in the life of a specimen workflow where data quality can be compromised. This video will discuss these areas and how compromised data can affect a patient’s health.
Video Transcript -
Throughout the life of a specimen, the amount of data associated with a specimen increases creating various relationships made up of different types of data. This video will cover the different types of data captured in the LIMS, their relationship, and importance to each other.
Video Transcript -
Data standards provide a method to convey information in valid, meaningful, and actionable ways. Although there are many types of data standards, in this video we will focus on data representation and data exchange standards.
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The last step in the analytic process is recording laboratory test results. After testing, results are either recorded manually or through automation into the LIMS. During this process it is imperative that the data is checked for accuracy to ensure incorrect data is not entered into the LIMS. This video will explain why it is important to ensure accuracy in reporting results.
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A LIMS helps laboratories track and manage the workflow of a specimen and its associated data from the time a specimen is received through the reporting of results. LIMS have many capabilities and benefits. In this video we will describe the capabilities, benefits, and limitations of a LIMS.
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Informatics is a broad field that encompasses information science, information technology algorithms, and social science. In these videos we will review two types of informatics: laboratory informatics and public health informatics.
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Demonstration of performing a direct smear from a specimen in the last step for culturing microorganisms.
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Demonstration of performing a gram stain procedure following the American Society of Microbiology’s Manual of Clinical Microbiology Procedures 10th Edition.
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Demonstration of the proper technique for performing an India ink stain.
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Demonstration of how to perform a potassium hydroxide or, KOH preparation, for detecting the presence of yeast in a specimen under a microscope.
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Demonstration of how to perform a wet mount using a bright-field microscope and the proper equipment.
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