The Laboratory Response Network is an integrated national and international network of laboratories that can respond to suspected acts of biological, chemical, or radiological terrorism and other public health emergencies. Member laboratories submit information regarding the testing capabilities of the laboratory; report all biological and chemical testing results; and participate in Proficiency Testing Challenges or Validation. The goal of the study is to identify gaps in preparedness for biological threats and emerging infectious diseases. The data will be used to develop strategies, policies, and operating procedures for responding to biological threat emergencies. The LRN website, Results Messenger data exchange application, and Special Data Calls Questionnaires are methods used to collect data from member laboratories. There is a reduction in Burden Hours from the previously approved collection due to a decrease in participating laboratories.
In this revision, the burden has been reduced by the continued expansion of LRN laboratories implementing HL7 reporting and decreasing the need for manual entry to Results Messenger. The number of data elements collected for the LRN Data Exchange has also been reduced. Numerical test results (i.e. Ct values) or a sample conclusion are no longer collected. As part of laboratory qualification data collection, the ability to add program feedback was added. Burden was further reduced by re-evaluating the burden calculation based upon requirements LRN places upon the member laboratories versus the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations and other quality management programs place upon the laboratories. In the instance of proficiency tests and challenge panels, the analysis of these samples is required by CLIA and/or other quality management systems implemented locally.
US Code:
42 USC 241
Name of Law: Public Health Service Act
EO: EO 39 Name/Subject of EO: Presidential Decision Directive 39
This is a revision of a previous collection seeking approval of 59,024 annual burden hours and 3 years of approval.
$3,001,147
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Odion Clunis 770 488-0045 lta2@cdc.gov
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
02/12/2026
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