Request CDC Assistance

CDC provides assistance, upon request, to health departments in investigating unexplained respiratory disease outbreaks (URDO). Provided below is a brief description of CDC’s approach to URDO investigations, as well as guidance on when and how to request CDC assistance, a directory of laboratory tests used at CDC, and requirements for requesting laboratory testing through CDC.

Inquiries from the public about respiratory disease outbreaks in general should be directed to CDC-INFO at 1-800-CDC-INFO, (800-232-4636), TTY: (888) 232-6348, or email CDC-INFO. Questions about specific outbreak investigations should be directed to the relevant state or local health department.

CDC’s Approach to URDO Investigations

CDC uses a multidisciplinary team approach to help local, state, and international public health officials in URDO investigations. More than 40 epidemiology and laboratory experts in infectious and non-infectious respiratory diseases make up the URDO working group. When assistance is requested for such outbreaks, the URDO working group is called together to discuss possible causes with the requester and provide technical expertise and specialized resources that are often only available at CDC. Specimens are tested in several laboratories at the same time at CDC for a wide variety of viral, bacterial, and other pathogens in order to try to quickly determine the cause of the outbreak and help prevent others from becoming ill.

When and How to Request CDC Assistance

CDC staff are available to provide assistance to health departments during respiratory disease outbreaks when

• The causative agent has been identified prior to contacting CDC, but needs to be confirmed
• More than one causative agent is suspected and epidemiological or laboratory assistance is needed
• The etiology is unknown

To request assistance:

• E-mail URDO (M-F; 8 am–4 pm EST)
• Call the emergency, after-hours hotline at 770-488-7100

Diagnostic Tests and Methods Used at CDC

Need help identifying the right test for your needs? View CDC’s searchable Test Directory, which features an up-to-date list of orderable tests and provides information on specimen requirements, contact information, test turnaround times, and other supplemental information.

Requirements for Testing at CDC

Only state health departments and other federal agencies may submit specimens directly to CDC for pathogen detection and characterization. Private citizens, health practitioners, and hospital personnel must contact their local (city or county) or state health department about how and when to submit specimens for testing. All specimens sent to CDC require approval by the relevant state health departments and CDC prior to shipment. All potential testing requires consultation with the appropriate CDC subject matter expert and CDC approval before the specimens are shipped.

See Instructions for Specimen Shipping.

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