ICLN Subgroups

Laboratory Logistics

The Laboratory Logistics subgroup assesses the various aspects of the biological, chemical, and radiological laboratory’s processes that may limit or severely limit the laboratory’s response to an event of national significance.  This subgroup generated a document that identifies the following items:  critical resources that would or could be in limited supply that would be needed during a major national emergency response; a general inventory of critical equipment, instrumentation, supplies, and other consumable items for each of the network threat agent areas that are required to conduct laboratory analysis; guidance on local vendor warehousing of critical laboratory components and supplies; guidance or recommendations for the stockpiling of critical laboratory reagents, supplies, components, consumable items, etc.; and guidance on the sharing of key laboratory resources (to include people) among networks during an incident response. 

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Sample Prioritization

The Network Coordinating Group of the ICLN formed the Sample Prioritization subgroup after the 2012 Strategic Planning Meeting and tasked it with developing a document to promote the most efficient use of ICLN laboratory network resources through sample prioritization. Given that a major chemical, biological or radiological incident will likely result in sample testing demands that exceed the nation’s laboratory capacity, there will be a need to prioritize samples in order to address the most critical response and recovery decisions in a timely manner. This WG has developed a document to educate officials on the rationales and thought processes associated with sample prioritization during an incident response.

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Radiological Laboratory Response

The Radiological Laboratory Response subgroup seeks to increase laboratory efficiency across agency network programs, and identifies radioanalytical laboratory gaps among the ICLN network radiological laboratories.  In addition, this subgroup promotes consistency of analytical performance to ensure quality data supporting homeland security decisions and assessing and filling gaps in radioanalytical laboratory testing.

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Training

The Training subgroup acts as a conduit for sharing training guidance, opportunities, and resources and will catalogue training programs for the ICLN to increase the Consortium’s knowledge base. 

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Proficiency Testing (PT)/Quality Assurance (QA)

The purpose of the Proficiency Testing (PT)/Quality Assurance (QA) subgroup is to ensure confidence in laboratory results across networks, through a coordinated approach for the development and implementation of PT/QA programs. 

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Scenario/Threat Prioritization

The Scenario/Threat Prioritization subgroup is responsible for considering risk assessments in the Chem./Bio/Rad (CBR) domain in order to provide guidance to the ICLN regarding the highest risk scenarios and agents that may stress the ICLN member networks.