147.51—Authorized laboratory minimum requirements.
These minimum requirements are intended to be the basis on which an authorized laboratory of the Plan can be evaluated to ensure that official Plan assays are performed and reported as described in this part A satisfactory evaluation will result in the laboratory being recognized by the NPIP office of the Service as an authorized laboratory qualified to perform the assays provided for in this part.
(a) Check-test proficiency.
The laboratory must use a regularly scheduled check test for each assay that it performs.
(b) Trained technicians.
The testing procedures at the laboratory must be run or overseen by a laboratory technician who has attended and satisfactorily completed Service-approved laboratory workshops for Plan-specific diseases within the past 3 years.
(c) Laboratory protocol.
Official Plan assays must be performed and reported as described in this part.
(d) State site visit.
The Official State Agency will conduct a site visit and recordkeeping audit annually.
(e) Service review.
Authorized laboratories will be reviewed by the Service (NPIP staff) every 3 years. The Service's review may include, but will not necessarily be limited to, checking records, laboratory protocol, check-test proficiency, technician training, and peer review.
(f) Reporting.
(1)
A memorandum of understanding or other means shall be used to establish testing and reporting criteria to the Official State Agency, including criteria that provide for reporting H5 and H7 low pathogenic avian influenza directly to the Service.
(2)
Salmonella pullorum and Mycoplasma Plan disease reactors must be reported to the Official State Agency within 48 hours.
(g) Verification.
Random samples may also be required to be submitted for verification as specified by the Official State Agency.