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III. RESPONSIBILTIES: <br />A. KCPHD will be responsible for the following activities: <br />1. Initiating the use of laboratory services. <br />2. Choosing the appropriate laboratory site to utilize for testing. <br />3. Coordinating with the laboratory regarding supplies, shipping, and results. <br />4. KCPHD staff may collect the samples or coordinate with the public or agencies in the <br />collection of samples. <br />5. KCPHD staff that collect samples will follow the appropriate collection method as <br />listed by Washington State Department of Health or the Environmental Protection <br />Agency, or other appropriate agency. <br />6. Receive testing samples including, but not limited to, samples involving stool, blood, <br />sputum, nasal swabs, water, or wastewater. <br />7. Communicate with the appropriate laboratory regarding supplies, shipping, and testing <br />results. <br />8. Act as courier for shipping and handling of specimens. <br />9. Ensuring staff are trained in Packaging and Shipping Division 6.2 materials and <br />trained staff is available to send emergency biologics 24/7. <br />a. Staff members whose position may require them to handle and ship more <br />dangerous Category A substances, and/or dry ice in quantities greater than 5.5 <br />pounds, will complete formal training and receive a certificate in "Packaging and <br />Shipping Division 6.2 Materials." The training is available at no cost through the <br />Centers for Disease Control (CDC) online at <br />h s://www .cdc. ov/labtrainin cdc-lab-trainin r- <br />cou:rse s/packing hipping .62 materials.html, and periodically in person through <br />the Washington State Department of Health, Public Health Laboratories (PHL). <br />Currently, the positions requiring this training are the Community Health <br />Supervisor, Public Health Nurses, and the Health Officer. <br />b. Formal training and testing is not required of staff members who only handle <br />less dangerous Category B and Exempt substances. In this case, staff may receive <br />training from other staff members trained as described in section II.B above. <br />IV. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS: <br />A. KCPHD staff will follow internal policy around procedures for shipping and handling of <br />hazardous materials. <br />B. KCPHD will coordinate with local labs such as KVH or other clinics within Kittitas County <br />for laboratory collection of samples and specimens. <br />C. The local Health Officer, Community Health Supervisor, Environmental Health Supervisor, <br />and/or Public Health Administrator will authorize the use of laboratory services for KCPHD <br />submitted specimens or samples. <br />30