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BUREAU OF LABORATORIES
S. I. Shahied, Ph.D., HCLD
Bureau Director
Mission Statement
To provide clinical laboratory testing, advice and consultation, and quality assurance standards to all who require or deliver medical diagnostic services, assuring that services are accurate, timely, state-of-the-art, cost effective, and delivered in a responsive and courteous manner.
The Bureau of Laboratories operates the state public health lab and regulates clinical laboratories serving the citizens of Pennsylvania. The laboratory supports disease prevention through the provision of investigatory, diagnostic and confirmatory testing for both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Routine testing provides information necessary for patient care and aids in monitoring on-going public health problems in Pennsylvania. Approximately 180,000 tests are performed each year for over 100 different disease conditions. The lab maintains a state of readiness to aid in the investigation of disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies including possible acts of terrorism. The Bureau also establishes and monitors the performance standards for over 8,000 clinical and physician office laboratories in the Commonwealth, provides technical assistance, training, and reference services to other labs and recommends certification of clinical laboratories under the requirements of the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. The Bureau of Laboratories is composed of the following three divisions:
Chemistry and Toxicology
M. Jeffrey Shoemaker, Ph.D.
Division Director
The Division of Chemistry and Toxicology works with various state and private agencies to monitoring the lead levels in children, oversees the Pennsylvania Newborn Screening Testing Program for inherited metabolic disorders, conducts toxicology proficiency testing and performs alcohol and drug testing on persons involved in fatal traffic accidents.
Clinical Microbiology
James R. Lute, Ph.D
Division Director
The Division of Clinical Microbiology performs bacteriology, virology, and mycobacteriology testing including: HIV, influenza, Lyme disease, tuberculosis, foodborne outbreak investigations, meningitis, West Nile encephalitis, Legionnaires' disease, rabies, sexually transmitted diseases, and other conditions of public health significance.
Laboratory Improvement
The Division of Laboratory Improvement implements state and federal laboratory licensure laws, which apply to Pennsylvania's over 8,000 clinical laboratories. On-site inspections, proficiency assessment and personnel training are used to help assure that laboratories are generating accurate and reliable results.
Bureau of Laboratories Newsletter
The PaL Connection
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Bureau of Laboratories and what are its hours of operation?
The Bureau is located in Exton, PA thirty miles west of Philadelphia and two and a half miles south of Exit 312 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Its normal hours of opreation are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. There is 24 hour per day, 7 day per week coverage for critical tests such as rabies and for response to public health emergencies.
Is testing available to the general public?
Most of the testing done at the Bureau is coordinated through the Department of Health state health centers, epidemiologists, individual public health programs, or local health departments and is not available to the general public. You may fee free to call the Bureau with questions and will be referred to the appropriate Department of Health office.
The public may submit specimens for rabies testing when a human being has been exposed to an animal that may have rabies. See the rabies page for information on submission.
How can I obtain a copy of the Bureau of Laboratories' CLIA certificate?
An image of the Bureau's current CLIA certificate is available here
How can I find out of the laboratory that is doing my test is reliable?
The Bureau can tell you whether a laboratory is licensed and in good standing under the state and federal regulations. More detailed information about a laboratory's most recent inspection is available but we ask that you make a formal request, in writing, to examine the files.
How can I get a copy of my laboratory results?
It is always best to work with your physician in obtaining and interpreting laboratory results, however you may request a copy of your results from the laboratory that performed the test. The laboratory will usually ask you to submit your request in writing.
What should I do if I have a problem with a laboratory?
If you are concerned about the quality of laboratory testing, or about a safety issue, call the Bureau to file a complaint. All complaints are investigated.
How can I obtain more information about Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) ?
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Contact Us
| Contact: |
Bureau of Laboratories
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| Address: |
110 Pickering Way
Exton, PA 19341-1310
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| Phone: |
(610) 280-3464 |
| Fax: |
(610) 450-1932 |
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