Did you know the International Reagent Resource (IRR) will be changing in 2025?

The International Reagent Resource (IRR), a critical resource for the distribution of reagents and essential materials used in the diagnosis and virological surveillance of respiratory diseases (among others), is an initiative of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently, the IRR is preparing to implement significant operational updates in 2025. These changes aim to optimize inventory allocation, streamline shipping processes, and improve access to essential resources for reference laboratories and National Influenza Centers (NICs). 

Key updates include: 

• Intermediary Consignees: New possibilities for using intermediary consignees to coordinate shipments and ensure that reagents reach the intended laboratory. 

• Order Management: Options to consolidate orders from different programs within the same institution into a single shipment. 

• International Shipping Logistics: Enhanced communication to coordinate logistics and ensure the cold chain in case of delays. It will be essential to ensure complete preparedness before authorizing shipments to avoid unnecessary logistical delays. 

• Optimizing Reagent Use: Laboratories will be encouraged to base their orders on actual needs rather than attempting to meet predefined limits, minimizing waste due to reagent expiration. 

• Traceability: Communications will include the option to add a PAHO contact to provide additional support when necessary. 

The IRR has been instrumental in responding to past global health emergencies, such as the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the Zika epidemic, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. These updates are designed to enhance laboratories’ response capacity to address future public health challenges. 

For more information about these changes, you can contact the IRR team or email laboratoryresponse@paho.org We recommend visiting the IRR website for up-to-date information and details about these modifications. Preparing for this transition is vital to strengthening public health response capacities.