CDC Extends Review of Laboratory Response Network Forms
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The CDC is asking for public feedback on their Laboratory Response Network forms to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work. They’re giving everyone 30 more days to share thoughts before final approval. This affects labs and agencies that fill out these forms and aims to keep things clear, easy, and cost-effective.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Major cut in lab reporting burden
CDC reduced the estimated annual burden for the Laboratory Response Network from 422,716 hours to 59,024 hours. This change is part of the revision to OMB Control No. 0920-0850 (expiration 2026-04-30).
LRN-C labs must do surge and proficiency exercises
Per CDC Notice of Funding Opportunity PHEP Cooperative Agreement CDC-RFA-TU24-0137, LRN-C laboratories are required to participate in Surge Capacity Exercises and proficiency testing to ensure readiness for national chemical threat responses. The burden table shows 'Proficiency Testing/Characterization Results (LRN-C)' at 35 responses per 44 responders with 2 hours each and 'Surge Event Testing Results/Exercises (LRN-C: SPaSE, Surge, ERE)' at 6 responses per 57 responders with 24 hours each.
Ongoing test-result reporting rules
LRN member labs are required to report certain test results (validation studies, proficiency testing, routine testing, emergency response exercises, and samples analyzed during public health responses). Reporting may be done by CSV upload into DataLink or by sending an HL7 message from a LIMS. Examples from the burden table: Routine Testing Results — 25 responses per responder at 0.5 hours; Public Health Surge Response Testing Results — 625 responses per responder at 0.5 hours; Challenge Panel/Validation Testing Results — 2 responses per responder at 12 hours.
LRN data elements narrowed (no numeric results)
CDC states the number of data elements collected for the LRN Data Exchange has been reduced; numerical test results (for example, Ct values) or a sample conclusion are no longer collected. This change contributed to the burden reduction.
Required lab qualification contact data
When a laboratory volunteers to join the LRN, it must submit qualification information including first and last names, work addresses, work email addresses, work phone numbers, and alternative phone numbers for trained personnel. The form 'Laboratory Qualification' is estimated at 2 hours per responder (136 responders, 1 response each).
System migration and accessibility updates
CDC reports improvements to the LRN Secure Information Hub: (1) migration to the CDC Secure Access Management System (SAMS) servers for more secure login and user authentication, and (2) a new CDC template to support Section 508 compliance and responsive design.
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Key Dates
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