Laboratory Response Network for Chemical Threats

The LRN-C is the chemical component of the Laboratory Response Network, established in 1999 by APHL, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to prepare for and respond to chemical threats. It links local, state and federal public health laboratories with sentinel clinical, food, veterinary, environmental and agricultural laboratories, and military and international laboratory centers—allowing them to respond quickly and effectively to chemical-based public health emergencies.

LRN-C laboratories test samples for chemical exposures and serve as the frontline conduit for communication among CDC and local health officials, hospitals, law enforcement (FBI) and poison control centers. LRN-C laboratories also provide crucial local and state infrastructure to respond to emerging threats and support other public health programs.

These laboratories operate at three levels that indicate their ability to perform various functions during emergency events:

• Level 1 laboratories test for exposures to high threat chemical agents: mustard agents, nerve agents, and toxic industrial chemicals. In addition, Level 1 laboratories maintain all Level 2 testing capabilities and help CDC test human samples during large-scale emergencies. These laboratories maintain adequate staffing and testing capabilities to support high volume testing with quick turnaround times.

• Level 2 laboratories test for exposures to chemical terrorism agents such as cyanide, toxic metals, and toxic industrial chemicals. Although Level 2 laboratories test a smaller list of chemical threat agents, LRN-C methods are customizable and can be readily adapted to detect broad classifications of new and emerging threat agents.

• Level 3 laboratories work with hospitals and first responders to collect, package and ship human samples to other laboratories for confirmatory testing. All LRN-C laboratories maintain Level 3 capabilities.

APHL hosts the LRN-C Community of Practice to enable resource sharing, discussion, and troubleshooting between LRN-C program staff members. Membership to the LRN-C Community of Practice is limited to staff in LRN-C programs. Contact [email protected] and include your role in your request.

The LRN-C laboratories historically meet annually for a three-day meeting and training opportunity to discuss technical issues, proficiency testing, technology and methods. Meeting content includes presentations from local, state, regional and national LRN-C programs and partners. The LRN-C Technical Meeting is traditionally convened in-person in the spring and rotates location dependent on the host LRN-C laboratory. The last LRN-C Technical Meeting was held in Salt Lake City, UT, in Spring 2025.

APHL’s Chemical Threat Peer-to-peer Exchange Program strengthens public health laboratory capabilities in preparedness by matching chemical threat coordinators for in-person exchanges based on self-identified strengths and needs. These visits provide opportunities to share practices, address challenges and build consistency across the LRN-C. APHL funds travel for selected participants to visit peer laboratories for hands-on learning.

APHL offers support to enable public health professionals to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge in environmental health by attending relevant training sessions and non-APHL conferences.

These awards are intended for permanent employees at APHL member environmental or public health laboratories engaged in testing environmental (air, water, soil, etc.) or clinical matrices. Eligible training areas: human biomonitoring, environmental chemistry, LRN-C and overdose biosurveillance (OD2A-S).

Apply for a 2026 Award