In significant recognition of its technical excellence, the Wadsworth Center has been designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an Advanced Laboratory Response Network–Biological (LRN-B) Laboratory. One of only 14 laboratories nationwide with this designation, the Wadsworth Center sits at the apex of a tiered national system designed to detect and respond to biological threats. The LRN-B is a national system of laboratories organized in a tiered structure of sentinel clinical laboratories, reference laboratories, and national laboratories. Together, they function as an integrated network designed to ensure rapid detection, confirmation, and response to biological threat agents and other high-consequence pathogens.
In 2014, the LRN-B reference tier was further stratified into reference, standard, and advanced laboratories based on technical capabilities, specialized expertise, and the ability to implement emerging diagnostic technologies. The Wadsworth Center’s Biodefense Laboratory, led by Dr. Michael Perry, focuses on the analysis of complex clinical and environmental samples for the presence of highly pathogenic organisms and potential biothreat agents.
Beyond diagnostic testing, the Wadsworth Center is a hub for innovation and readiness. The laboratory plays a critical role in advancing applied diagnostics by developing, validating, and implementing new technologies for the rapid detection of biological threats. In addition, the program provides training to first responders and clinical laboratory professionals to strengthen national preparedness and response capabilities.
Working in close collaboration with federal partners including the CDC, as well as biotechnology companies and diagnostic manufacturers, the Wadsworth Center contributes to the development, evaluation, and validation of next-generation diagnostic platforms for biothreat detection. Through these efforts, the Wadsworth Center has emerged as a national leader in biodefense diagnostics and laboratory preparedness.