Laboratory Response Network for Chemical Threats (LRN-C)

The Laboratory Response Network for Chemical Threats (LRN-C) is a national network of local and state public health laboratories that respond to chemical terrorism and other public health emergencies in the United States. CDC partners with the LRN-C to maintain specialized capabilities for analyzing human exposures to chemical threat agents, e.g., toxic metals and industrial chemicals. Established in 1999, the LRN-C has been ensuring laboratory preparedness and response capability for 20 years.

20 Years of Chemical Threat Preparedness

1999

• 5 state public health labs
• CDC testing sites for laboratory counterterrorism measures

2019

• 54 Labs in 50 states, 3 cities and 1 territory
• CDC testing sites for laboratory counterterrorism measures
• Local testing capacity for a wide range of public health chemical emergencies