Season's Greeting from the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory

As we reflect on the past year, we extend our gratitude to all who have supported and collaborated with us. Your dedication and partnership have been vital to our success.

We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, happiness, and time with loved ones. May the New Year bring continued growth, success, and new opportunities for you.

Thank you for being a valued part of our community.

Warm regards,

Nebraska Public Health Laboratory

Holiday Schedule and Meeting Change

• Holiday Closures: 
• The office will be closed on December 24 and January 1. In case of an emergency, please call the 24-hour pager (402) 888-5588



• Rescheduled Laboratory Meeting: 
• Our monthly laboratory meeting has been rescheduled to January 21 at 12:00 PM CST. Please update your calendars accordingly.
• Link to the January Meeting: January SLAM

Respiratory Surveillance in Nebraska

To enhance respiratory virus surveillance in Nebraska, the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) requests residual respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, or RSV on the Cepheid GeneXpert platform. If the Cepheid GeneXpert is not the primary testing platform at your facility, NPHL will gladly accept specimens tested on other platforms, provided a CT value is available.

These residual specimens will undergo further characterization, including subtyping and/or whole genome sequencing, to better understand circulating viruses across Nebraska.

For detailed guidance, please see the Guidance for Respiratory Sample Submission and NUlirt Guidance for FLUPCR.

Upcoming Events in 2025

Centers for Preparedness and Emergency Response Symposia Series:

• The State Training Coordinators will travel to Gering, North Platte, Lincoln, Bellevue, Kearney, and Norfolk to participate in this event. If any laboratory would like a site visit or requires their assistance, please contact them at NPHLab@unmc.edu to schedule a time during their trip.



High-Consequence Pathogen Training:

• In 2025, the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), in collaboration with the Region VII Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center (RESPTC), will develop and update high-consequence pathogen training for clinical laboratories in Nebraska. Stay tuned for more updates as this initiative progresses.