State Public Health Laboratory

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The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) provided victims of 2011 declared flooding disasters with immediate assistance in the recovery process by waiving laboratory handling fees associated with drinking water samples submitted as a result of 2011 flooding. The MSPHL will resume normal operations of applying a $10 handling fee for all private drinking water testing effective January 17, 2012.

Updated Immunology Test Request Form (01/2012)

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) is dedicated to the promotion, protection, and assurance of the health of Missouri's citizens by providing a wide range of diagnostic and analytical services. These services include quality-assurance laboratory testing for infectious diseases, genetic disorders and environmental health concerns, both in support of public health programs, and as a reference laboratory performing unusual or specialized procedures. The laboratory provides scientific expertise and managerial leadership in meeting the rapidly changing challenges in the clinical and environmental laboratory disciplines and in the development of public health policy.

About five million tests (many required by law) are performed in the MSPHL and one branch laboratory located in Poplar Bluff. Approximately 406,920 mailing kits are assembled and distributed each year for the return of specimens from hospitals and private laboratories as well as city, county and district health offices. The MSPHL also functions as a reference lab for medical laboratories in the state and confirms results or completes organism identification.