NSPS Level 2 Resource Guide: Strengthening lab readiness for high-consequence pathogens

This Q&A was developed with the co-chairs of the NETEC Laboratory Workgroup:

·      Vicki Herrera, MS – Research Coordinator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Training & Education Coordinator at the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, and Co-Chair of the NETEC Laboratory Workgroup

·      Dr. Colleen Kraft, MD – Professor, Department of Pathology and Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, and Co-Chair of the NETEC Laboratory Workgroup

Laboratories play a critical role in detecting and responding to high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), as the Coordinating Body of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), helps ensure hospital labs are ready for these challenges. The NSPS Level 2 Resource Guide supports this mission with practical tools, checklists, and best practices that make readiness measurable, actionable, and sustainable.

What is the NSPS Level 2 Resource Guide, and why is it important for laboratories?

The National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) is a coordinated network of healthcare facilities that strengthens the nation’s ability to respond to HCIDs. The NSPS Level 2 Resource Guide is a practical tool, designed to help Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (SPTCs), or Level 2 facilities within the NSPS, meet the minimum capabilities for caring for patients with HCIDs. For laboratories, it provides structured guidance, best practices, and checklists that support critical testing capacity, safe sample transport, and biosafety measures.

What laboratory-specific resources does the Level 2 Resource Guide provide?

The guide compiles readiness checklists, biosafety recommendations, and specimen-handling guidance—including packaging and transport of Category A materials. It links to vetted resources on testing panels, equipment maintenance, and training, giving labs a practical toolkit to meet national standards while adapting to their facility’s needs.

How does this guide improve operational readiness for hospital labs?

The guide breaks down the “what” (minimum expectations) and the “how” (resources and FAQs) across 11 capability domains, including laboratory testing. It helps labs to do the following:

• Safely process and transport specimens from suspected HCID patients.
• Perform essential testing: BMP, CBC, ABG, LFTs, coagulation, blood cultures, and malaria diagnostics.
• Maintain biosafety through appropriate equipment (e.g., biosafety cabinets, gloveboxes) and staff training.

By clarifying “what” labs need and “how” to achieve it, the guide helps anticipate challenges, maintain instruments, and support compliance.

How does the guide support cost efficiency?

By offering readiness checklists and linking to vetted NETEC and other resources, the guide helps labs prioritize essential equipment and training, reduce downtime, and avoid unnecessary expenditures while staying aligned with regulatory standards like Category A shipping certification.

What role does resilience play, and how does the guide build it?

Resilience is the ability to sustain safe operations during prolonged or unexpected HCID events. The guide helps labs build redundancy into workflows, plan for staff exposures, and adapt processes for pediatric patients—ensuring safe, effective operations under stress.

What challenges do labs face in meeting HCID readiness, and how does the guide address them?

Common challenges include maintaining equipment and inventory 24/7, meeting accreditation standards, and balancing costs with preparedness. The guide addresses these with tailored strategies, validated tools, and self-assessment checklists, making readiness more manageable and resource efficient.

What’s the bottom line for laboratory professionals?

The NSPS Level 2 Resource Guide is adaptable, serving as a roadmap for laboratories to strengthen operational readiness, optimize resources, and build resilience. Laboratories following the guide can confidently support patient care during a special pathogen event.

Lab professionals are central to national readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases. Strengthen your facility’s preparedness by requesting the NSPS Level 2 Resource Guide and exploring NETEC’s library of evidence-based tools at NETEC.org. By requesting the guide, you will automatically receive the updated version whenever it’s released, ensuring your team always has the latest guidance reflecting changes in the HCID response landscape.