BOP Program Statement 6370.02 § 8

a. Medical Referral Laboratories. Bureau facilities are required to utilize Bureau MRLs for

initial, routine, and non-emergency laboratory testing. An extensive standardized test menu will

be available. The MRLs will provide collection and packaging supplies to each of the facilities

utilizing their services. See your specific MRL instructions on specimen collection and

processing requirements.

b. Contracted Commercial Laboratories. A commercial laboratory will be used only for

those tests not available at the MRLs and for emergency laboratory services, or in extenuating

circumstances (e.g. EHR downtime) as approved by the Medical Director. Health Services

Administrators will ensure all current national contracts for commercial laboratory services will

be utilized.

c. Local/State Public Health Laboratories. In the event of a public health emergency or

outbreak investigation (influenza, varicella, etc.), institutions are encouraged to work with their

local or state public health laboratory. These laboratories would be most equipped in dealing

with public health emergencies or outbreak investigations. Contact the NLA for further

information and guidance.

d. Requirements. Collecting facilities are expected to follow collection and processing

procedures outlined by their MRL, contracted commercial laboratory, or local/state public health

laboratory. Personnel responsible for the packaging and shipping of infectious substances (i.e.,

laboratory specimens) are required to satisfactorily complete applicable training. Recurrent

training is required every two years. Facilities can contact the NLA for training resources.

Up to date accreditation and CLIA certificates will be maintained by the HSA from the MRLs

and any contracted commercial laboratory utilized by the collecting facility.

6370.02 6/22/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 13