PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY
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.
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.
Information about Nasopharyngeal Sample Collection that includes videos and FAQs
SERVICES
- Clinical Microbiology
The Clinical Microbiology Section provides screening, diagnostic, and reference testing for bacterial, parasitic and sexually transmitted diseases to support outbreak investigations and public health surveillance. 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, hepatitis, 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.
- 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.
- Special Projects Laboratory (SPL)
The Special Projects 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. SPL also tests for antibiotics in raw milk.
- 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:
- Tests performed.
- Laboratory Section Reports
- Test Requisition Form for submitting routine clinical specimens [ Text of Test Requisition Form ]
- Courier routes for specimen pickup.
- Sample Collection and Containment Kit.
- 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.
- Please contact the Public Health Laboratory for more information about any of these tests. Laboratory Hours.
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