The Laboratory Response Network (LRN) conducted its quarterly meeting in Atlanta, Ga., on 30 March.
Jim Snyder, ASM's representative to the LRN, reported the activities of the ASM during the H1N1 influenza epidemic, which included the development and distribution of clinical microbiology H1N1 testing resource documents. ASM resource documents provided information on the importance of subtyping influenza A versus antiviral therapy, a procedure for collecting nasopharyngeal swabs from adults and children, and an algorithm for guidance in testing patients with respiratory illness. The documents were sent to ASM's Division C members and posted on the ASM website (http://www.asm.org/h1n1resources). Snyder also informed LRN attendees that the ASM Sentinel Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism will be updated so that Guideline titles are consistent.
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