Enteric & Parasitology Laboratory Section
The Enteric and Parasitology Section performs reference laboratory services to aid in the identification of enteric organisms submitted by laboratories throughout the state. This laboratory offers services to isolate, identify, and/or confirm Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), E. coli O157, Listeria sp., Vibrio sp., and Campylobacter sp., among others, from clinical specimens. Complete serotyping of Salmonella Typhi and E. coli O157 is provided. Approved specimens may also be tested for Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Entamoeba histolytica via CIDT testing. Other approved specimens for intestinal and blood parasites are sent to the CDC for examination.
Environmental Water Microbiology Laboratory Section
The Water Microbiology Section provides routine EPA-approved water microbiological testing for a fee to public/private water suppliers, individual Indiana citizens with residential wells, and pool/bathing beach operations. Routine tests include Total Coliform, E. coli, and Heterotrophic Plate Count. Routine testing is performed for Indiana state agencies and local health departments. Testing for Legionella is performed for the Indiana Department of Health Environmental Public Health Division. Wastewater testing for targets of public health concern is conducted for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Food & Dairy Microbiology Laboratory Section
The Food Microbiology Section works with the Food Protection Division (FPD), and Indiana Board of Animal health (IBOAH) to test food and dairy products. Food products are tested for pathogens. The dairy products are tested for quality and pathogens. The laboratory tests products for routine surveillance, investigations of consumer complaints, and outbreaks. These investigations and monitoring programs are conducted for the citizens of Indiana by the FPD at the Indiana Department of Health, local health departments, and IBOAH. All samples submitted for a food, drug or dairy analysis must be submitted through the Food Protection Division at the Indiana Department of Health, or the Indiana Board of Animal Health. No specimens will be routinely accepted if sent directly to the laboratory.
Laboratory Support Section
The Lab Support Section performs the following operations: 1) preparation of media and reagents that support the operations of the IDOH Laboratory; 2) preparation of specimen test kits for clinical specimens and environmental sample kits submitted by external partners and state agencies; 3) and daily interaction with external customers dropping off samples and picking up test kits at the Central Receiving area. The operations of these three areas contribute to the entire laboratory’s overall mission to support the agency with quality laboratory data.