Special Pathogens Laboratory
Resource for all DOD
Ft. Detrick, MD
The Special Pathogens Laboratory (SPL) receives and analyzes clinical, environmental and biological material for the presence of biological threat agents and disease causing agents. For clinical samples, the SPL operates under a current CLIP (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program) certificate while for nonclinical, environmental samples, the SPL is accredited to ISO 17025.
The SPL is one of three national laboratories in the CDC's Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a member of the Defense Laboratory Network (DLN), the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) and the Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks (ICLN).
Capabilities of the SPL include culture (BSL2, BSL3, and BSL4), toxin detection assays, immunodiagnostics, Real-time PCR, sequencing and other advanced molecular and serological procedures for many organisms including viruses. Through our USAMRIID partners, the SPL also offers Electron Microscopy and other cutting-edge diagnostic methods unavailable outside USAMRIID.
To submit specimens to USAMRIID for diagnostic testing, please consult the USAMRIID reference files below or contact the SPL Director at 301-619-8342/3318.
Please use the following Email address, if you would like to submit questions and comments to the SPL.
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