Tier 1 Lab Bioterrorism Recognition Online Training Course

Background

The Tier 1 Lab Bioterrorism Recognition course was created by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CEPR) and the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network in a joint initiative between the federal government, the provinces and territories.

Course content includes:

• Brief History of Bioterrorism;
• Bacterial Agents of Bioterrorism and Procedures;
• Virological Agents of Bioterrorism and Procedures;
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Overview; and
• Wet Lab Simulation.

Participants

Recommended for individuals working in a Tier 1 laboratory environment (i.e. hospitals, public & private diagnostic labs).

Course Objective

To increase the participant’s confidence in his/her ability to respond to a bioterrorism event, and provide the individual with the ability to:

• Recognize and describe microbiological characteristics of bacterial and viral agents of bioterrorism and the diseases they cause;
• Identify the cell (Gram stain examination) and colony morphologies as well as the biochemical characteristics of the bacterial agents in a simulated wet lab setting; and
• Respond appropriately and follow guidelines on how to safely ship materials to a reference laboratory for definitive identification or further triage.

Prerequisites

None

Format

E-learning, self-study, Internet-based

Course Availability

Register online

Note

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to print a Certificate of Completion for their records. Participants are also eligible for continuing education credits with the Canadian College of Microbiologists and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.