CDC’s Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS)
CDC’s gateway to engage with the laboratory and testing community
- Mar 27. 2023 03/27/2023: Lab Update: FDA Issues Final Guidances for COVID-19 Medical Device Transition Plans
- Mar 16. 2023 03/16/2023: Lab Update: Join the next Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) Call on Monday, March 20 at 3:00 PM ET
- Feb 24. 2023 02/24/2023: Lab Update: Join the next Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) Call on Monday, February 27 at 3:00 PM ET
- Feb 10. 2023 02/10/2023: Lab Update: Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) Call Rescheduled for Monday, February 27
- Jan 24. 2023 01/24/2023: Lab Advisory: CDC Issues Select Agent Gram for Updated Mpox Reporting Requirements
The CDC Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) provides timely information to the laboratory and testing community. Topics include emergency preparedness and response, point-of-care testing, specimen collection, antigen testing, biosafety, laboratory data reporting, and regulatory requirements, as well as training and other resources to support your work.
CDC also provides technical assistance and responds to inquiries from the laboratory and testing community. For more information, contact LOCS@cdc.gov.
CDC’s Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) convenes monthly Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) calls. The calls are an opportunity for CDC and panelists to provide updates and answer questions. Calls take place on the third Monday of each month at 3:00 PM Eastern time. Audio, slides, and transcripts are posted online after each call. Learn more on the LOCS Calls page.
DLS’s mission is to strengthen the nation’s clinical and public health laboratory system by continually improving quality and safety, informatics and data science, and workforce competency.
DLS works with other CDC programs, federal and state agencies, and professional organizations, to improve quality and safety in clinical and public health laboratories. DLS also strengthens laboratory information systems and laboratory standards to improve clinical and public health outcomes. The division also provides leadership and support to enhance the clinical and public health laboratory workforce through recruitment, retention, management, and training initiatives.
As part of DLS’s scope, LOCS provides an additional opportunity to engage with the laboratory and testing community in a structured and cohesive way.