![]() These include a criminal investigation to uncover the person or persons who may have perpetrated the event and a public health investigation to determine how many people were exposed and the best course of treatment. A positive result from a confirmatory test sets off a chain of actions. An LRN laboratory performs confirmatory tests. PCR tests performed by Laboratory response network (LRN) labs are considered more accurate and reliable because lab workers have been trained to use CDC-developed tests, which are performed in controlled laboratory conditions.Ī positive result from a screening test is considered presumptive, meaning additional tests must be performed to confirm the original test result. These tests are considered screens and detect a limited number of agents. Some facilities have on-site air collectors that use PCR to test samples. PCR can confirm whether earlier tests, such as those used by postal facilities to screen letters, were accurate. PCR tests for the presence of DNA unique to each disease agent. One of those tests is called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Lab workers can do a number of tests to identify an unknown substance. If the threat is real, the FBI arranges for samples of the suspicious substance to be sent to a special laboratory that can perform the necessary testing. Together, federal, state, and local authorities determine whether the threat is real. The FBI and public health authorities contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Response to these types of threats typically begins with law enforcement, followed by notification of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), state emergency management, and state or local public health officials. For example, a letter containing a powder and a note saying the recipient has been exposed to anthrax is considered overt. An overt incident involves the announced release of an agent, often with some type of threat made. Notifying agencies and determining responseīiological and chemical terrorism come in two forms – announced (overt) and unannounced (covert). This fact sheet explains how federal, state, and local agencies respond to suspicious materials and how laboratories play a role in detection and response. This is important because the suspect could still be in the area.Determining whether suspicious items (such as letters, packages, or backpacks) pose a real danger to workers and the public requires a detailed threat assessment and accurate identification of the hazard. When emergency personnel arrive, be prepared to answer questions about who was around you when you noticed the package. Stay in a separate area from others as the package may contain chemical, biological or radiological materials that could be spread. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water if you handled the package in any way. If the package is ticking, vibrating or has an odor, evacuate the area immediately. This will prevent whatever is in the package from spreading. If the package is small, try to cover it with a trash can but make sure the trash can is not touching the package. It is best to just leave it where you found it. Call from a landline phone only.ĭo not move the package, bump or shake it. If you are in a building, tell a security officer or building management.ĭo not use a cell phone or two-way radio to call authorities because they can act as a bomb detonator. The package is rigid, bulky or beat up looking.Ĭall 911 right away and alert the people around you to leave the premise. Odd markings such as “Personal”, “Confidential” or “Do not x-ray”. Packages misaddressed or sent to a generic title instead of to someone in your household or office.Įxcessive stamp postage as opposed to metered postage. Suspicious packages may contain harmful and dangerous materials so it is important to understand how to handle them with care. Items could also be in your mail, giving you a cause for concern if you are not expecting a delivery. They could be boxes, envelopes, backpacks, bags or other items, but are usually left unattended and seem out of place. Suspicious packages come in all shapes and sizes.
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