Biological Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Minnesota Public Health Laboratory

As a Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Reference Laboratory for the State of Minnesota, the Public Health Laboratory is responsible for testing potential agents of bioterrorism. Please call the appropriate number on our Emergency Contact Information page with any emergencies.

For medical professionals

• Our Publications and Posters About Laboratory Emergency Preparedness page contains a Hazardous Materials Exposure Guide for medical professionals and posters concerning bioterrorism and chemical terrorism for public health professionals.
• The Federal Select Agent Program oversees the possession, use and transfer of biological select agents and toxins.
• Biothreat Agent Bench Cards for the Sentinel Laboratory (PDF) is a printable document produced by the Association of Public Health Laboratories.
• Clinical Laboratory Preparedness and Response Guide (PDF: 15.5 MB/332 pages) is a book-length document produced by the Association of Public Health Laboratories.
• Sentinel Level Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Guidelines are available through the American Society for Microbiology.
• Laboratory Information for Bioterrorism Emergencies, part of the CDC's website, imparts how to react safely and effectively during an emergency.

For the public

• The Minnesota Department of Health’s General Bioterrorism Information Page provides bioterrorism information and fact sheets for the general public.
• National Information on Emergency Preparedness is available on the CDC’s website.