CDC Division of Laboratory Systems Update | May 2026

[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

The DLS eNewsletter from CDC’s Division of Laboratory Systems is a monthly summary of events, trainings, and other resources that clinical and public health laboratory professionals can use to connect with the division and benefit from our work. We encourage you to forward this newsletter to your colleagues or invite them to subscribe here by typing "Laboratory Systems" in the Search field.

Elevate Specimen Handling with OneLab VR The Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) introduces a new immersive training series from OneLab VR, designed to strengthen safe handling practices for blood, urine, and respiratory specimens. Each 10–15-minute scenario equips users with practical skills to maintain specimen integrity and minimize risks associated with handling potentially infectious materials in a safe, dynamic, and interactive learning environment. OneLab VR: Blood Specimen Handling OneLab VR: Handling Urine Specimens OneLab VR: Respiratory Specimen Handling Step into the future of laboratory training and register for these OneLab VR scenarios today! DLS Secure Labs Protects the Nation’s Laboratory System Clinical and public health laboratories are on the frontlines of protecting the nation’s health, and DLS promotes a proactive, integrated approach to managing biosecurity by: Supporting biosecurity risk assessment development Promoting biosecurity standards and best practices Sharing information between CDC and clinical laboratories Bridging gaps in biosecurity training Read more about how DLS is protecting the nation’s laboratory system from biosecurity threats. Biorisk Management Resource Available to Laboratories DLS is offering International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 35001:2019—Biorisk management for laboratories and other related organisations to laboratories who submit a written request for access. This ISO standard describes how to manage biosafety and biosecurity risks and improve safety practices to build a strong culture of biorisk management. To receive free access to ISO 35001:2019, email a request to the DLS Biosafety mailbox (DLSBio...@cdc.gov). For more information on the ISO 35001 standard and steps to implement it, watch this recent ISO 35001:2019 OneLab webinar or email the DLS Biosafety mailbox. Provider Performed Microscopy Procedures Guidance Available The Provider Performed Microscopy (PPM) Procedures booklet contains regulatory requirements and recommended practices for licensed physicians, mid-level practitioners, and dentists who perform patient testing under a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certificate for PPM procedures. This guidance is also for laboratory directors who perform PPM procedures at laboratories or testing sites. The booklet includes: An overview of the regulatory requirements for PPM procedures PPM resources, including forms, examples, and images Download the digital copy of the PPMP booklet to learn more. Subscribe to Laboratory Outreach Communication System Emails  CDC’s Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) provides timely information to the laboratory and testing community. Topics include laboratory preparedness and response, point-of-care testing, specimen collection, antigen testing, biosafety, laboratory data reporting, and regulatory requirements, as well as training and other resources to support your work. Click here to opt in now. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348 Questions or Problems  |  Unsubscribe