We do not respond to voicemails. If we do not answer, we are on the line with another client. Please text or email us. We respond throughout the day or attempt to call again at another time.
Public Health Laboratory Practice: Outbreaks, Reportable Conditions, Chain of Custody, and Reference Testing
Public health laboratory practice plays an important role in protecting both individual patients and the larger community. Public health laboratories support disease surveillance, reportable condition testing, outbreak detection, reference testing, chain of custody when required, and coordination with healthcare providers and public health authorities.
This course reviews the laboratory’s role in public health practice, including reportable conditions, timely reporting, outbreak response, specimen collection and handling, referral testing, chain of custody, biosafety, quality practices, confidentiality, and ethical responsibilities. Participants will examine how accurate testing, proper specimen handling, complete documentation, and clear communication support public health action and help protect communities.
Course Objectives
After completion of this course, users should be able to:
- Describe the role of public health laboratories in disease surveillance and community health protection.
- Explain the purpose of reportable condition requirements.
- Identify how laboratories support outbreak detection and response.
- Describe the importance of proper specimen collection, labeling, storage, transport, and referral.
- Explain when chain of custody may be required in public health or forensic-sensitive testing.
- Describe the purpose of reference testing and specialized laboratory services.
- Recognize the importance of biosafety, quality control, quality assurance, and competency in public health laboratory practice.
- Explain confidentiality, documentation, communication, and ethical responsibilities related to public health laboratory testing.
Information
- Relevance: This course is designed for laboratory personnel, public health laboratory staff, clinical laboratory professionals, nurses, healthcare staff, infection prevention staff, case managers, compliance staff, and other professionals who may be involved in specimen collection, reportable condition testing, outbreak response, specimen referral, chain of custody, or public health reporting. This course will help participants understand how laboratory practice supports timely, accurate, and responsible public health action.
- Content Level: Intermediate
- Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
- System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
- Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course. They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials. The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
- CEBroker Course ID: 1391106
- Credit Hours: 1
- Last Updated: July 16, 2026