Laboratory Job Aids
This page includes links to free job aids intended to assist clinical and public health laboratory professionals with diagnostic testing, preparedness, core science, informatics, quality, safety, and packing and shipping.
The job aids on this page were developed to accompany eLearning courses on the CDC Laboratory Training webpage. Each job aid includes a link to the course that it is associated with.
Job aids are available as PDFs and editable Word documents for laboratories to tailor to fit their needs.
COVID-19 relevant job aids can be used by laboratory professionals working with COVID-19.
Webpage: Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing
This infographic includes general information to improve COVID-19 specimen handling and processing for more accurate results
This infographic is a resource/tool to improve nasal mid-turbinate swab specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing
This infographic is a resource/tool to improve nasopharyngeal swab specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing
eLearning Course: Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet
Checklist of activities/tasks needed to safely use biological safety cabinets
eLearning Course: Laboratory Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning
Form used to provide an overview of important points to consider when conducting business from an Emergency Relocation Site
Worksheet to list the various communications systems a laboratory uses, the current providers, restoration contacts, and backup modes of communication
Continuity of Operations (COOP) Emergency Event Trigger Notification List
A notification list used to determine who has the authority to activate the continuity of operations plan based on predetermined triggers and how others in the organization will be notified of the decision to activate
Worksheet to list all facilities in which the organization operates, and designations for which facilities will be needed in an emergency or disaster situation
Worksheet to list essential functions, personnel needed, and other important information needed to maintain the continuity of the essential function when moving to an alternate worksite
Flowchart to assist in determining whether to activate a continuity of operations plan
Continuity of Operations Delegation of Authority Worksheet
Worksheet to list an organization’s critical functions, the primary authority (e.g., decision-making, procurement), and the order of succession in case the primary authority is unavailable
Continuity of Operations Interoperable Communications Worksheet
Worksheet to ensure that secure methods of communications are available in a continuity of operations situation
Guide for recording priorities and essential functions for laboratory continuity of operations
Worksheet to determine overall staffing needs for essential laboratory functions
Continuity Plan Template and Instructions for Non-Federal Governments
Instructions, guidance, and sample text for the development of continuity plans and programs
Table used to determine whether to activate a continuity of operations plan based on the impact various emergencies may have on the laboratory
Template that planners can use to detail how essential laboratory operations will continue in the event the primary operating facility is incapacitated and personnel are unavailable or incapable of deploying to the alternate facility
Table to list contact information of emergency personnel and other important contacts
Examples of statements of applicability and scope for continuity of operations plans
Examples of Executive Summary/Promulgation Statement/General
Examples of executive summaries for continuity of operations plans
Examples of purpose statements for laboratory continuity of operations plans
Table listing examples of potential laboratory threats (e.g., earthquake or fire), mitigation measures, and risks
Identification of Essential and Nonessential Laboratory Functions
Worksheet to help identify essential and non-essential laboratory functions
Worksheet to list individuals and organizations to notify in the event of an emergency and the person responsible for notifying them
Worksheet to notify staff and others when the laboratory’s continuity of operations plan is implemented
Worksheet to list essential functions, key personnel, and their successors
Table to list names and contact information for each employee
Procedural Steps for Identifying and Prioritizing Essential Functions
Tool to help identify and prioritize essential laboratory functions
Worksheet to record changes to a continuity of operations plan outside the official plan review cycle
Worksheet that planners can use to list testing, training, and exercise requirements and the frequency that each should occur
Worksheet for recording details about essential files, records, and databases that need to be accessed after the laboratory’s continuity of operations plan has been implemented
eLearning Course: Packing and Shipping Dangerous Goods: What the Laboratory Staff Must Know
Blank results log for quantitative tests
Example of typical shipping papers used for ground transport of Category A substances
Step 2: DOT Job Aid – Motor Vehicle Courier Train or Cargo Ship
Decision tree to help classify substance if shipping by motor vehicle courier/ground in accordance with Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
Decision tree to help determine the classification for substance if shipping by air
Step 3: Packing Category A, and B, and Exempt Human or Exempt Animal Specimens Job Aid
Reference document for packing Category A, Category B, and Exempt Human and Exempt Animal Specimens
Step 4: Labeling, Marking, and Documenting Requirements Job Aid
Reference table for labeling, marking, and documenting requirements for the various classifications and modes of transport
eLearning Course: Ready? Set? Test! Patient Testing in Important. Get the Right Results
Steps to take if exposed to blood or bodily fluids
Procedure for removing disposable gloves safely
Steps to take to wash hands
Instructions for, and examples of, logging or recording results for qualitative tests, quantitative tests, quality control – qualitative tests, quality control – quantitative tests, and multiple tests
Instructions for performing external control testing including quality control log for qualitative and quantitative tests
Checklist containing steps to take before testing
Blank results log for multiple tests
Blank results log with quality control for qualitative tests
Blank results log with quality control for quantitative tests
Blank results log for qualitative tests
Blank results log for quantitative tests
Core science job aids are intended to improve skills, methods, and procedures in clinical and public health laboratories.
eLearning Course: Biochemicals and Gram Negative Organism ID
Flowchart for identifying aerobic Gram-negative rods or Gram-negative coccobacilli
Biochemical Tests for Gram Negative Organism Identification
Images of positive and negative biochemical tests for Gram negative organisms
Biochemicals and Gram-Negative Organisms Identification Course Facilitator Guide
Guide that facilitators/mentors can use to oversee the completion of Gram-negative laboratory exercises. The guide contains instructions for laboratory exercises, objectives, laboratory setup, supply list, job aids, and an answer key
Biochemicals and Gram-Negative Organisms Identification Course Laboratory Exercises
Hands-on Gram-negative exercises that learners can use along with equipment in their laboratory to reinforce concepts from associated eLearning course
List of questions to consider while following a specimen from collection through microbiological testing
Descriptions (with images) showing colony morphology characteristics
Table that describes various general media used in a public health or clinical microbiology laboratory
Flowchart for identifying E. coli (non-stool)
List of supplies and reagents needed to conduct a Gram stain and instructions on how to conduct a Gram staining procedure
Images depicting Gram stain results and cell shapes and arrangements
Gram-Negative Rod (GNR) Stool Pathogens Lactose Negative Flowchart
Flowchart for identifying lactose negative Gram-negative rods
Gram-Negative Rod (GNR) Stool Pathogens Lactose Positive Flowchart
Flowchart for identifying lactose positive Gram-positive rods
Gram-Negative Rods Non-Stool Pathogens Flowchart
Flowchart for identifying Gram-negative rods stool pathogens
Chart and images that can be used to interpret TSI reactions
Flowchart for identifying Y. pestis
eLearning Course: Biochemicals and Gram Positive Organism ID
Flowchart of Gram stain morphology that can be used to identify aerobic Gram-positive cocci
Flowchart for identifying aerobic Gram-positive rods
Alpha or Gamma-Hemolytic Streptococci Blood Agar Plates Flowchart
Flowchart (with images) distinguishing alpha and gamma-hemolytic streptococci on blood agar plates
Alpha Streptococci vs Streptococcus pneumoniae Identification Chart
Summary of characteristics (with images) that can be used to distinguish alpha streptococci from streptococcus pneumoniae on blood agar plates
Summary of characteristics (with images) that can be used to identify Bacillus spp.
Flowchart that can be used to identify bacteria by using Gram-positive stain
Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci on Blood Agar Plates Identification Chart
Flowchart (with images) that can be used to identify beta-hemolytic streptococci on blood agar plates
Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci on Blood Agar Plates Identification Chart
Summary of characteristics (with images) that can be used to identify beta-hemolytic streptococci on blood agar plates
Biochemical Tests for Gram- Positive Organism Identification
Images showing biochemical tests for identifying Gram- positive organisms
Biochemicals and Gram-Positive Organisms Identification Course Facilitator Guide
Guide that facilitators/mentors can use to oversee the completion of Gram-positive laboratory exercises. The guide contains instructions for laboratory exercises, objectives, laboratory setup, supply list, job aids, and an answer key
Descriptions (with images) showing colony morphology characteristics
Table that describes various general media used in a public health or clinical microbiology laboratory
List of supplies and reagents needed to conduct a Gram stain and instructions on how to conduct a Gram staining procedure
Images depicting Gram stain results and cell shapes and arrangements
Summary of characteristics (with images) that can be used to identify listeria monocytogenes
Flowchart (with images) that can be used to identify staphylococci
Job aids include fact sheets, checklists, and manuals that can be used to improve clinical and public health diagnostic testing.
Webpage: Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing
This infographic includes general information to improve COVID-19 specimen handling and processing for more accurate results
This infographic is a resource/tool to improve nasal mid-turbinate swab specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing
This infographic is a resource/tool to improve nasopharyngeal swab specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing
eLearning Course: Ready? Set? Test! Patient Testing in Important. Get the Right Results
Steps to take if exposed to blood or bodily fluids
Procedure for removing disposable gloves safely
Steps to take to wash hands
Instructions for, and examples of, logging or recording results for qualitative tests, quantitative tests, quality control – qualitative tests, quality control – quantitative tests, and multiple tests
Instructions for performing external control testing including quality control log for qualitative and quantitative tests
Checklist containing steps to take before testing
Blank results log for multiple tests
Blank results log with quality control for qualitative tests
Blank results log with quality control for quantitative tests
Blank results log for qualitative tests
Blank results log for quantitative tests
eLearning Course: Good Laboratory Practices for Molecular Genetics Testing
Top 10 Recommendations for Laboratories Performing Molecular Genetic Testing
Fact sheet containing recommendations for laboratory professionals performing molecular genetic testing
Health Professionals and Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know
Fact sheet containing basic information about molecular genetic testing and results
Fact sheet listing common questions and answers about genetic testing and results
eLearning Course: The LMBP A-6 Cycle: Review and Evaluation Methods for Quality Improvement
Checklist containing study quality components
Laboratory Medicine Best Practices (LMBP) Data Abstraction Tool: LMBP Data Abstraction Coding Manual
Manual summarizing rules and guidelines for using a standardized abstraction form to record evidence for systematic reviews for best practices in laboratory medicine
Packing and shipping job aids can be used by laboratory professional who pack and ship Division 6.2 infectious substances and dry ice.
eLearning Course: Packing and Shipping Dangerous Goods: What the Laboratory Staff Must Know
Blank results log for quantitative tests
Example of typical shipping papers used for ground transport of Category A substances
Step 2: DOT Job Aid – Motor Vehicle Courier Train or Cargo Ship
Decision tree to help classify substance if shipping by motor vehicle courier/ground in accordance with Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
Decision tree to help determine the classification for substance if shipping by air
Step 3: Packing Category A, and B, and Exempt Human or Exempt Animal Specimens Job Aid
Reference document for packing Category A, Category B, and Exempt Human and Exempt Animal Specimens
Step 4: Labeling, Marking, and Documenting Requirements Job Aid
Reference table for labeling, marking, and documenting requirements for the various classifications and modes of transport
Job aids include worksheets, flowcharts, templates, and examples that can be used to enhance clinical and public health laboratories’ preparedness for, and response to, public health threats.
eLearning Course: Laboratory Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning
Form used to provide an overview of important points to consider when conducting business from an Emergency Relocation Site
Worksheet to list the various communications systems a laboratory uses, the current providers, restoration contacts, and backup modes of communication
Continuity of Operations (COOP) Emergency Event Trigger Notification List
A notification list used to determine who has the authority to activate the continuity of operations plan based on predetermined triggers and how others in the organization will be notified of the decision to activate
Worksheet to list all facilities in which the organization operates, and designations for which facilities will be needed in an emergency or disaster situation
Worksheet to list essential functions, personnel needed, and other important information needed to maintain the continuity of the essential function when moving to an alternate worksite
Flowchart to assist in determining whether to activate a continuity of operations plan
Continuity of Operations Delegation of Authority Worksheet
Worksheet to list an organization’s critical functions, the primary authority (e.g., decision-making, procurement), and the order of succession in case the primary authority is unavailable
Continuity of Operations Interoperable Communications Worksheet
Worksheet to ensure that secure methods of communications are available in a continuity of operations situation
Guide for recording priorities and essential functions for laboratory continuity of operations
Worksheet to determine overall staffing needs for essential laboratory functions
Continuity Plan Template and Instructions for Non-Federal Governments
Instructions, guidance, and sample text for the development of continuity plans and programs
Table used to determine whether to activate a continuity of operations plan based on the impact various emergencies may have on the laboratory
Template that planners can use to detail how essential laboratory operations will continue in the event the primary operating facility is incapacitated and personnel are unavailable or incapable of deploying to the alternate facility
Table to list contact information of emergency personnel and other important contacts
Examples of statements of applicability and scope for continuity of operations plans
Examples of Executive Summary/Promulgation Statement/General
Examples of executive summaries for continuity of operations plans
Examples of purpose statements for laboratory continuity of operations plans
Table listing examples of potential laboratory threats (e.g., earthquake or fire), mitigation measures, and risks
Identification of Essential and Nonessential Laboratory Functions
Worksheet to help identify essential and non-essential laboratory functions
Worksheet to list individuals and organizations to notify in the event of an emergency and the person responsible for notifying them
Worksheet to notify staff and others when the laboratory’s continuity of operations plan is implemented
Worksheet to list essential functions, key personnel, and their successors
Table to list names and contact information for each employee
Procedural Steps for Identifying and Prioritizing Essential Functions
Tool to help identify and prioritize essential laboratory functions
Worksheet to record changes to a continuity of operations plan outside the official plan review cycle
Worksheet that planners can use to list testing, training, and exercise requirements and the frequency that each should occur
Worksheet for recording details about essential files, records, and databases that need to be accessed after the laboratory’s continuity of operations plan has been implemented
eLearning Course: Bacillus anthracis
Flowchart used to rule out or refer Bacillus anthracis
eLearning Course: Brucella spp.
Organism identification job aid for positive and negative result reference
Differentiation of Brucella from other Urea-Positive, Oxidase-Positive Gram-Negative Coccobacilli
Chart differentiating Brucella spp. from other urea-positive, oxidase-positive gram-negative coccobacilli
Flowchart used to rule out or refer Brucella spp.
Chart listing characteristics of Brucella spp.
Differentiation Between Biothreat Agents and Similar Microorganisms
Chart listing characteristics of biothreat agents and similar organisms
Table 2: Summary of Recommended Biosafety Levels for Infectious Agents
Table summarizing recommended biosafety levels for infectious agents
eLearning Course: Burkholderia spp.
Chart listing characteristics of B. mallei
Flowchart used to identify or rule out B. mallei
Chart listing characteristics of B. pseudomallei
Flowchart used to rule out or refer B. pseudomallei
eLearning Course: Francisella tularensis
Differentiation Between Biothreat Agents and Similar Organisms
Table listing characteristics of biothreat agents and similar organisms
Descriptions and images depicting characteristics of Francisella tularensis
Flowchart describing major characteristics in identifying Francisella tularensis
Table listing different testing mechanisms for Francisella tularensis
Presumptive Identification Chart for Francisella tularemia
Flowchart used to rule out or refer Francisella tularensis
Table 2: Summary of Recommended Biosafety Levels for Infectious Agents
Table summarizing biosafety levels for infectious agents, and their respective practices, primary barriers and safety equipment, and secondary barriers
eLearning Course: Yersinia pestis
Yersinia pestis Characteristics Chart
Yersinia pestis Differentiation Chart
Yersinia pestis Identification Flowchart
Safety job aids can be used to enhance safety in clinical and public health laboratories.
eLearning Course: Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet
Checklist of activities/tasks needed to safely use biological safety cabinets
For more information about CDC Laboratory Training job aids or courses, contact us at LabTraining@cdc.gov.