Abstract
In October 2002, the United States begins the process of wild poliovirus containment with a nationwide inventory of all biomedical laboratories that may possess wild poliovirus materials in government, industry, and academia. Pilot surveys were carried out in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Arizona State Public Health Laboratory, Emory University, and Wyeth, a biopharmaceutical company. Valuable experience gained during the pilots was used to refine the survey materials and procedures and develop additional technical resources. Summaries of the Wyeth and Emory experiences are presented in this paper to assist future participants prepare for the national wild poliovirus inventory. Goals and objectives of the inventory are presented in a companion article found in this issue.