Key points
- Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) has a CDC mailbox managed by the Office of Laboratory Systems and Response (OLSR).
- LOCS calls provides real-time updates, technical support, and a forum for clinical laboratories to ask questions and receive information on various laboratory-related topics.
- Engage with LOCS to access vital information that strengthens your laboratory's preparedness and enhances public health outcomes.
Purpose
The Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) is managed by the Office of Laboratory Systems and Response (OLSR). Currently, LOCS is a functional CDC mailbox (LOCS@cdc.gov) designed to provide updates and answer questions from clinical laboratories through coordination with professional organizations and CDC programs.
The mailbox is managed and monitored by OLSR staff and is active during regular business hours. This system is available to other CDC programs and may also be used during emergency responses to disseminate information in collaboration with CDC's Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
How the program works
LOCS allows clinical laboratories to access specific information and technical support from CDC. LOCS currently provides laboratories with a forum in which to ask questions and receive information. This messaging system is designed to provide:
- Real-time information on laboratory diagnostic testing issues.
- Recommendations on laboratory safety, exposures, quality, and testing initiatives.
- Guidance for improving health information technology and interoperability.
- Communication messages during emergencies and facilitate requests for additional laboratory surge capacity in collaboration with the EOC Laboratory Task Force.
- Technical information related to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements.
In addition, LOCS receives technical questions from clinical laboratories and provides assistance directly or triages and sends these inquiries to other CDC programs that have the appropriate subject matter expertise. For more information, please contact LOCS@cdc.gov.
Projects and initiatives
OLSR's mission is to provide scientific expertise, technical services, and products to CDC, public health and clinical laboratories to advance:
- High-quality and safe laboratory science.
- Reliable testing for diseases and harmful exposures.
- Strong laboratory partnerships for readiness and response.
Laboratories are core public health infrastructure, critical to protecting health and improving lives. OLSR works to strengthen laboratories at CDC and laboratories outside CDC that support public health and patient care. Strengthening laboratories is fundamental for effective national response to public health emergencies and for regularly detecting, treating, and preventing infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and harmful exposures. OLSR provides cross-cutting support for crucial laboratory systems including quality, safety, informatics, workforce, and response readiness. As part of OLSR's scope, LOCS provides an additional opportunity to regularly interact with clinical laboratories in a structured and cohesive way.