PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY
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Mission: To provide accurate and timely analytical data, information and consultation to protect and enhance the health of the people of Delaware. Vision: To be recognized as a vital component of the public health team, providing a wide range of laboratory expertise and services using state of the art technologies. |
2012-2013 INFLUENZA SEASON INFORMATION
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA): The Delaware Public Health Laboratory is CLIA certified (# 08D0662985) and monitors and inspects laboratories throughout the State to ensure compliance with CLIA regulations. More information about CLIA Amendments.
SERVICES
- Clinical Microbiology
The Delaware Public Health Laboratory Clinical Microbiology section tests routine cultures from clinical sources for the presence of infectious disease. The section also tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomonas (sexually transmitted diseases, or STD's) using amplified molecular identification methods. Other testing performed includes antimicrobial susceptibility and serotyping of Salmonella species, Shigella species, Shiga-toxin producing E.coli (STEC), Vibrio cholerae, Listeria species, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis. The section performs the typing of Salmonella species, Shigella species and STEC by pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for epidemiologic investigation. Tuberculosis (mycobacteriology) testing is performed for recovery, identification and drug susceptibility testing of acid fast bacilli (AFB). More information about Clinical Microbiology.
- Molecular Virology
The Molecular Virology section provides testing for viruses of public health significance such as rabies, West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Influenza and other respiratory viruses, HIV, herpes, norovirus and enteroviruses. The section also provides molecular detection of Bordetella pertussis, foodborne disease agents, and potential bioterrorism agents. More information about Molecular Virology.
- Environmental Chemistry
The Environmental Chemistry Section evaluates inorganic/organic chemicals in drinking water from public and private supplies. More information about Environmental Chemistry.
- Water Microbiology
The Water Microbiology lab tests drinking water for total and fecal coliforms, or E. coli , which are determined as indicators of pollution. More information about drinking water testing. The Water Microbiology lab also tests for antibiotics in raw milk.
- Newborn Screening
The Newborn Screening Program screens every infant born in Delaware for 38 different genetic and metabolic disorders. Testing for 37 disorders is performed at the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. Hearing screening is performed by the birthing center. More information about Newborn Screening.
- Chemical Preparedness
The Chemical Preparedness Section provides 24/7 response to suspect and actual chemical terrorism events. More information about Chemical Preparedness.
- Biological Preparedness
The Biological Preparedness section provides 24/7 response to suspect and actual biological terrorism events. More information about Biological Preparedness.
Testing Information:
- Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines (Chart)
- Tests performed.
- Laboratory Section Reports
- Test Requisition Form for submitting routine clinical specimens
- Courier routes for specimen pickup.
- Instructions for Completing Preparedness Forms
- Visit our Laboratory Preparedness page for testing forms and procedures related to biological and chemical terrorism preparedness.
- Visit our Laboratory Preparedness Advisory Committee (LPAC) page for forms and documents from the LPAC meetings.
- Visit the Laboratory System Working Group page for contact and collaboration information for 5 Delaware laboratories working together to develop chemical management and safety practices.
- DPH Chain of Custody
- Please contact the Public Health Laboratory for more information about any of these tests. Laboratory Hours.
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