Serology
The Florida Department of Health operates three state-level serology laboratories using high throughput methods to perform diagnostic tests of public health importance. Sexually transmitted infection testing performed includes hepatitis A, B, and C (including HCV RNA NAAT); syphilis RPR with CMIA confirmatory and TP-PA; and amplified chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other tests performed are rubella screen and QFT Plus for latent TB infection.
Retrovirology
The Florida Department of Health operates two state-level retrovirology laboratories, offering high throughput, advanced HIV diagnostic testing using an FDA-approved HIV-1/2 antigen/antibody (combo) immunoassay, HIV-1/HIV-2 antibody supplemental testing, HIV-1 RNA testing, HIV-1 clinical management testing, including FDA-approved HIV-1 viral load testing, and HIV-1 genotyping (Sanger and targeted Next Generation sequencing), is offered for HIV infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy.
Virology
Our laboratories perform tests for the detection of respiratory viruses (influenza, SARS-CoV-2), mosquito-transmitted viruses (West Nile, eastern equine encephalitis, and dengue), foodborne (norovirus), and many other viruses of public health significance. Testing is performed using molecular as well as traditional serologic (antibody) assays.Â
Tuberculosis
Our laboratories provide a range of methods for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, utilizing state-of-the-art molecular tests for diagnosis and detection of drug resistance which provide accurate results more quickly than traditional growth-based methods. We test more than 20,000 samples and perform drug susceptibility testing on approximately 700 tuberculosis-positive samples each year.
Microbiology
Specialized and reference testing for the detection and characterization of pathogens that cause human illness, utilizing advanced molecular testing to categorize these organisms for surveillance and prevention, along with testing for fecal contamination in drinking and recreational water, including the detection of bacteria in environmental sources.
Infant Screening
Provides laboratory screening of all newborns in the state for several hereditary diseases which, without detection and early treatment, would lead to death or severe mental disabilities.
Molecular
Performs whole genome sequencing of foodborne and some nosocomial bacterial pathogens to differentiate outbreak strains from non-case related strains, and confirming source contamination and tracing transmission links. Additionally, the laboratory performs testing for organisms involved in health care associated infections.
As a participating laboratory in the National Molecular Subtyping Network for Foodborne Disease Surveillance, known as PULSENET, we have access to WGS data from participating public health laboratories across the country. PULSENET sites, using WGS, have identified outbreaks that otherwise would not have been recognized by conventional epidemiological investigations.