**2. Global laboratory directory**

The WHO revised the IHR in 2005. This revision updated the practice of reporting and monitoring emerging threats of international concern and calls for strengthening of core capacities, including the laboratories of its 194 member countries (WHO, 2008).

The implementation of IHR capacity plan is often an iterative process. The global scientific community recognizes that no single laboratory or country has the resources to control all health hazards at all times. In this chapter, we focus on infectious diseases, but these principles also apply to chemical and radio-nuclear threats.

Infectious diseases do not recognize geographic borders. Cross-border collaborations and information sharing are necessary for early mitigation of a PHEIC caused by infectious agents. Therefore, it is important that laboratories also tap into existing external resources while strengthening their own capacity at the same time. One such resource is the vibrant community of laboratory networks. In this age of rapid communication and creation of virtual communities of practice, connectivity and information accessibility becomes easier, yet loses the assurance of scientific scrutiny. Networks of laboratories that come together as a community of practice can provide reliable information and expertise. In Canada, we have established many different types of networks to serve different purposes. These include disease specific networks, public health networks, hospital networks and networks of networks. There are also many successful international and global networks that serve as invaluable resources to public health. However, locating specific laboratories or networks can be laborious using publically available search engines, especially since many are not visible on the web.

Over the last decade, we have witnessed significant change in the way scientific communities share experiences, exchange methods and ideas, expertise and resources through use of emerging Internet and satellite technologies. The ease of travel, access to ejournals, rapid Internet searches, daily outbreak updates and virtual meetings further create opportunities to meet and connect in ways never possible in the past. These electronic gateways are becoming more accessible to even those laboratories that have been the most remote and isolated. Scientists, laboratories, and networks have embraced these developments, but the remaining challenge is to capture and share this ever-expanding, vibrant, and science-based knowledge in a simple and intuitive manner. Some of the recent attempts to developing web based search engines are not truly designed for laboratories and, as such do not have an efficient means of filtering information relevant to laboratories. Even some of the popular websites have proven difficult to navigate. The connectivity to experts and access to information is important for global laboratory capacity building. It is

Although significant scientific knowledge has been developed, tested and translated into successful public health interventions and leading to reduced infectious disease burden, the public remains vulnerable to epidemics and pandemics. Emerging infections such as HIV, SARS, avian influenza and the recent H1N1 pandemic are further exemplified by the emergence and global spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens, which threatens our ability to treat viral and bacterial infections in hospitals and in the community. Taken together these acts of nature have put enormous pressure on governments to act quickly to protect the public's health. The public have in turn, incurred high costs in terms of lives and implementation of countermeasures. These public health problems have resulted in society

The WHO revised the IHR in 2005. This revision updated the practice of reporting and monitoring emerging threats of international concern and calls for strengthening of core

The implementation of IHR capacity plan is often an iterative process. The global scientific community recognizes that no single laboratory or country has the resources to control all health hazards at all times. In this chapter, we focus on infectious diseases, but these

Infectious diseases do not recognize geographic borders. Cross-border collaborations and information sharing are necessary for early mitigation of a PHEIC caused by infectious agents. Therefore, it is important that laboratories also tap into existing external resources while strengthening their own capacity at the same time. One such resource is the vibrant community of laboratory networks. In this age of rapid communication and creation of virtual communities of practice, connectivity and information accessibility becomes easier, yet loses the assurance of scientific scrutiny. Networks of laboratories that come together as a community of practice can provide reliable information and expertise. In Canada, we have established many different types of networks to serve different purposes. These include disease specific networks, public health networks, hospital networks and networks of networks. There are also many successful international and global networks that serve as invaluable resources to public health. However, locating specific laboratories or networks can be laborious using publically available search engines, especially since many are not

Over the last decade, we have witnessed significant change in the way scientific communities share experiences, exchange methods and ideas, expertise and resources through use of emerging Internet and satellite technologies. The ease of travel, access to ejournals, rapid Internet searches, daily outbreak updates and virtual meetings further create opportunities to meet and connect in ways never possible in the past. These electronic gateways are becoming more accessible to even those laboratories that have been the most remote and isolated. Scientists, laboratories, and networks have embraced these developments, but the remaining challenge is to capture and share this ever-expanding, vibrant, and science-based knowledge in a simple and intuitive manner. Some of the recent attempts to developing web based search engines are not truly designed for laboratories and, as such do not have an efficient means of filtering information relevant to laboratories. Even some of the popular websites have proven difficult to navigate. The connectivity to experts and access to information is important for global laboratory capacity building. It is

capacities, including the laboratories of its 194 member countries (WHO, 2008).

disturbance, economic loss and political expectations.

principles also apply to chemical and radio-nuclear threats.

**2. Global laboratory directory** 

visible on the web.

important to sustain laboratory networks that could serve as irreplaceable repositories of experience and knowledge.

Fig. 1. Global Laboratory Directory Vision

The WHO, the National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA collaborated on developing the Global Laboratory Directory (GLaD) to map, connect, and support the laboratory networks and their members. GLaD is conceived as a support system to encourage laboratory networks to be part of a global community of peers. It is to connect laboratories among and between networks to leverage their capabilities and capacities in support of effective preparedness and in compliance with the IHR. GLaD, as depicted in Fig. 1, comprises of three main components: GLaD*Map*, GLaD*Resource* and GLaD*Support*.

It is easy to undervalue laboratories as assets for health protection and to question the need for investment into them and their existence. Moreover, the power of networking as a means of achieving public health goals is not always explored or harnessed. GLaD aims to support

Knowledge Integration to Support Networking for

laboratory service to the public in a country

Laboratories in profit-driven institutions

communications.

public

excluded.

surveillance

without profit.

for including an institution on GLaD:

Those that have national reference laboratories

Laboratory Preparedness and Response to Emerging Pathogens 217

investigations (animal facility, media preparation) and analysis and interpretation of results (e.g. bioinformatics, biostatics, mathematical modeling) from undertaking the investigations. A laboratory can be complex, multi-faceted or very simple, set up for basic sample collection as its sole function. A laboratory is the most basic information unit within the GLaD*Map*

 All national reference centres, including those not currently in laboratory networks, but which have the mandate from their respective state/national authority to provide a

Regional reference centres that have been nominated by peers or by official authorities

Laboratories that conduct research that generates intellectual properties that reduces

It is understood that the management structure and organization of institutes may differ so as to optimize the delivery of laboratory services to their external stakeholders, clients, or communities. Laboratories established within an institution may be set up based on specific syndromes (e.g. respiratory, diarrhoeal), methodology platforms (serology, DNA based or genotypic methods (e.g. PCR, DNA sequencing, culture or phenotypic methods), specific functions (research and development, technology transfer, surveillance, reference services, emergency preparedness and response), or a combination of approaches. GLaD*Map* does not place restrictions for participation on size, types, or management system of laboratories, but it is important to be able to easily locate the appropriate person responsible for further

The second information unit within GLaD*Map* is an institution, which is defined as an organization established to provide public services. It has one or more laboratory units, which are the official workspaces of scientists and principal investigator(s) where they carry out their scientific work. An institution is a legal entity that has an official designation that gives them the mandate or authority to house the laboratory units. Any number of laboratory units may be co-located within the same institution. The following rules apply

Institutions that host laboratories that are member of networks included in GLaD*Map* 

Institutions that have mandate from the state to provide reference services to the

 Institutions that host WHO Collaborating Centres having a laboratory function Institutions hosting laboratories that provide data for national or global laboratory

 Institutions hosting laboratories that conduct research to answer specific public health questions, health hazard characterization, hazard identification, and hazard detection

All profit driven institutions that are not members of networks within GLaD should be

system. The following rules apply for including a laboratory on GLaD: Every laboratory named in a network is included in GLaDMap

to provide public health laboratory services to a specific region WHO Collaborating Centers that provide specific laboratory services The following types of laboratories are to be excluded from GLaD:

global equity in access to laboratory services or diagnostic tests

Laboratories or those institutions that market products of public health risks.

laboratory networks and advocate for their support and sustainability for the following reasons:


GLaD priorities and activities are aligned and complimentary to the United Nations Millenium Development Goals, with existing global health regulations and codes in animal, plant, and human sectors, and with global laboratory initiatives. The GLaD project adheres to the following core principles:


GLaD platform is developed using the established Canadian Network for Public Health Intelligence (CNPHI) technology framework (Mukhi et al, 2007), which is a comprehensive framework of applications and resources designed to fill critical gaps in Canada's national public health infrastructure. CNPHI's innovative Program/Information Technology approach supports data sharing and collaboration by integrating disparate data sources and facilitating intelligence generation and dissemination to enhance public health coordination and response activities for the direct benefit of local, regional, provincial/territorial and national stakeholders.

#### **2.1 GLaD***Map*

#### **2.1.1 Overview**

The GLaD*Map* component provides an intuitive multi-faceted search engine with visual depiction of the interactive relationships of the networks and their member laboratories using a visualization tool that displays information provided by the network and by member laboratories themselves. GLaD*Map* enables users to: (1) find laboratories or networks that are dedicated to a specific objective or function, (2) connect with those located in geographical locations of interest, and (3) search for specific type(s) of services and, expertise/experts.

GLaD*Map* comprises of three fundamental hierarchical information units: 1) Laboratory, 2) Institution and 3) Network. A laboratory is defined as a place (room, building or facility) set apart for a group of scientists to conduct practical investigations in science (e.g. bacteriology, virology, toxicology, parasitology) or production of reagents for such

laboratory networks and advocate for their support and sustainability for the following

They contribute critical resources, capacity, and capability in the form of organization,

 Scientific knowledge must be built through multi-disciplinary partnerships, and participation of many members and organizations is more comprehensive and timely

 Supporting networks is a practical and efficient way to capture and retrieve the technical and corporate knowledge, experience and resources for the public good GLaD priorities and activities are aligned and complimentary to the United Nations Millenium Development Goals, with existing global health regulations and codes in animal, plant, and human sectors, and with global laboratory initiatives. The GLaD project adheres

Respect autonomy of existing networks – Add value to their core functions and

GLaD platform is developed using the established Canadian Network for Public Health Intelligence (CNPHI) technology framework (Mukhi et al, 2007), which is a comprehensive framework of applications and resources designed to fill critical gaps in Canada's national public health infrastructure. CNPHI's innovative Program/Information Technology approach supports data sharing and collaboration by integrating disparate data sources and facilitating intelligence generation and dissemination to enhance public health coordination and response activities for the direct benefit of local, regional, provincial/territorial and

The GLaD*Map* component provides an intuitive multi-faceted search engine with visual depiction of the interactive relationships of the networks and their member laboratories using a visualization tool that displays information provided by the network and by member laboratories themselves. GLaD*Map* enables users to: (1) find laboratories or networks that are dedicated to a specific objective or function, (2) connect with those located in geographical locations of interest, and (3) search for specific type(s) of services and,

GLaD*Map* comprises of three fundamental hierarchical information units: 1) Laboratory, 2) Institution and 3) Network. A laboratory is defined as a place (room, building or facility) set apart for a group of scientists to conduct practical investigations in science (e.g. bacteriology, virology, toxicology, parasitology) or production of reagents for such

Consult with wide-ranging experts and users to obtain a balanced view

Operate with transparency and adhere to highest ethical practices

Networks embody collaborative spirit and enthusiasm as players in the health sector

Their collective work enriches scientific knowledge and range of expertise

technical experts, materials, information and innovation

than those derived from individual efforts

 Respect community rights and national sovereignty Listen and respond to the needs of the stakeholders

Recognize laboratory expertise wherever it resides

Acknowledge participant contributions

to the following core principles: Ensure equity for all participants

activities

national stakeholders.

**2.1 GLaD***Map* **2.1.1 Overview** 

expertise/experts.

reasons:

investigations (animal facility, media preparation) and analysis and interpretation of results (e.g. bioinformatics, biostatics, mathematical modeling) from undertaking the investigations. A laboratory can be complex, multi-faceted or very simple, set up for basic sample collection as its sole function. A laboratory is the most basic information unit within the GLaD*Map* system. The following rules apply for including a laboratory on GLaD:


It is understood that the management structure and organization of institutes may differ so as to optimize the delivery of laboratory services to their external stakeholders, clients, or communities. Laboratories established within an institution may be set up based on specific syndromes (e.g. respiratory, diarrhoeal), methodology platforms (serology, DNA based or genotypic methods (e.g. PCR, DNA sequencing, culture or phenotypic methods), specific functions (research and development, technology transfer, surveillance, reference services, emergency preparedness and response), or a combination of approaches. GLaD*Map* does not place restrictions for participation on size, types, or management system of laboratories, but it is important to be able to easily locate the appropriate person responsible for further communications.

The second information unit within GLaD*Map* is an institution, which is defined as an organization established to provide public services. It has one or more laboratory units, which are the official workspaces of scientists and principal investigator(s) where they carry out their scientific work. An institution is a legal entity that has an official designation that gives them the mandate or authority to house the laboratory units. Any number of laboratory units may be co-located within the same institution. The following rules apply for including an institution on GLaD:


All profit driven institutions that are not members of networks within GLaD should be excluded.

Knowledge Integration to Support Networking for

management system.

participating sites as available:

participating sites as available:

and annual meetings.

in Fig. 2):

chemistry, immunology, toxicology, etc.

for the network profile in GLaD*Map*

data for the institutional profile.

for the laboratory profile.

multiple networks.

Type: Local, national, international, global or regional.

Laboratory Preparedness and Response to Emerging Pathogens 219

 Tests: Bacteriology, Immunology, Mycology, Parasitology, Toxicology, Virology, including information on estimates of number of specimens handled yearly and quality

The institution profile form consists of the following sections that may be completed by the

Identity: Institution name, website information, and contact information including

The network profile form consists of the following sections that may be completed by the

Identity: Network name, website information, and contact information including

 History: Captures the purpose of network's establishment and any associated history including governance body, funding sources, terms of reference and founders. Activities: Descriptions that best describe the network activities including workshops

Disciplines: Classification information for member laboratories, such as, bacteriology,

 Functions: Main role and responsibilities of the member laboratories. Some examples include, clinical diagnostics, surveillance, outbreak investigation, vaccine production,

The GLaD*Map* tool has been developed as an online web-based system to enable quick access to posted profiles and to provide the ability to seamlessly create or update new profiles while keeping the ownership of data in mind. In order to begin the data entry, GLaD has defined the persons expected to enter the information as follows (as illustrated

The leader or manager (or a designate) of a network is the person to enter information

The director of the institution is the official representative (or a designate) to enter the

The leader of the laboratory unit is the responsible person (or a designate) to enter data

A laboratory must be affiliated with a network for it to exist within the GLaD*Map* system. This relationship defines the basis of the integrated search engine to define relationships between networks and their members. Optionally, a laboratory might be associated to an institution as intermediary organization between a network and laboratory. This hierarchical structure enables multi-dimensional relationships to co-exist between networks, institutions and laboratories. For example, one laboratory can be a member of multiple networks; an institution can have multiple laboratory members and be affiliated with

Fig. 3 is a functionality chart illustrating the data flow of the application including the searching functionality as well as the update/submit new profile functionality. Note that a

laboratory may belong to a network directly without belonging to an institution.

specimen banking, training, reference services, quality assurance and veterinary.

Laboratories: List of member laboratories associated with the institution.

Laboratories: List of member laboratories associated with the institution or network.

geographical information so that the institution can be mapped.

Networks: List of networks that the institution is affiliated with.

geographical information so that the network can be mapped.

The third information unit with GLaD*Map* system is a network, which is defined as an interconnected entity (usually championed by a "leader" or "manager") and linked by common interest (a community of practice). Members develop a working relationship for professional benefit and visibility. Often these networks are established to achieve common goals that are accomplished more easily together than by one or two entities on their own. These networks may have formal or informal organizational and administrative structures. The following rules apply for including a network on GLaD:


The following types of networks must be excluded from GLaD:

