State Health Laboratories

Mission

To provide quality analytical and technical laboratory information in support of state and national disease prevention and control, environmental health programs, and the criminal justice system.

What we do

State Health Laboratories perform chemical, physical and microbiological analyses of environmental samples, clinical specimens and forensic evidence.  The results of these scientific examinations are used to:

• Monitor the spread of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, viruses or parasites
• Evaluate the effectiveness of disease control measures
• Assure the safety of drinking water and food supply
• Detect biological or chemical terrorism events
• Aid law enforcement in crime investigations and adjudication
• Help determine the cause of death
• Monitor outdoor air pollution
• Monitor water quality of streams, rivers and the Narragansett Bay

Programs Within the Division of Laboratories

Biological Sciences

Bioterrorism Response/Special Pathogens | Molecular Biology/Enteric Pathogens |Food/Water Microbiology | Serology | Quality Assurance (more)

Environmental Sciences

Air Pollution | Biomonitoring/Chemical Terrorism Response | Food/Water Chemistry | Organic Chemistry | Analytical Lab Certification | Quality Assurance (more)

Forensic Sciences

Breath Analysis | CODIS | DNA /Forensic Biology | Drug Chemistry | Toxicology (more)

Accreditations

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – (CLIA) Certificate of Compliance for High Complexity Clinical Laboratory
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) – Ambient Air and Drinking Water Testing
• ISO17025-Forensic Sciences Laboratories
• FBI – (Federal Bureau of Investigations) - DNA Analysis & CODIS
• FDA - (Food & Drug Administration) - Dairy Product and Shellfish Testing
• Rhode Island Department of Health - In State Analytical Laboratory Certificate
• Rhode Island Department of Health - In State Clinical Laboratory License