Laboratory Services

laboratory services

Mission

We develop and implement disease surveillance programs and technology that will provide rapid, effective laboratory services in response to emerging infectious disease, bioterrorism (BT) and other public health emergencies for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Technology

Technology utilized in the laboratory for disease surveillance, emerging infectious disease and BSAT identification include: microscopic techniques, bacterial culture techniques and molecular identification.

Services Provided

We provide quality microbiology diagnostic capabilities through organism I.D. and antibiotic susceptibility. We provide the following testing capabilities for outbreak investigations and surveillance support:

• Consultative services working closely with physicians and EHOs for direct diagnostic and pathogen investigative capabilities
• Respiratory cultures and Influenza PCR
• Enteric culture and Norovirus PCR
• Parasite identification (ie. Malaria)
• Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) Detection

Training

Contact us to enroll.

• Identification of Malaria (B-322-2210)

We encourage all IDCs and ALTs interested in increasing Micro skills before deployment to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can you test unknown suspicious substances (ie. white powder) and determine if it is a BSAT?
  A: Yes, the microbiology laboratory can test for BSAT. Please contact the Laboratory Staff (619-556-7070) for instructions regarding proper packaging and transport of the suspicious substance.

• Q: We’ve seen a recent and unusual increase in respiratory or G.I. cases. Who can we contact to help identify the reason and stop the progression?
  A: Contact the Public Health and Surveillance Dept or the Laboratory Services Dept at (619)556-7070 for assistance. We have a team of doctors and investigation specialists here to help.

• Q: I would like to collect specimens for testing from a recent outbreak at my station. How do I do that?
  A: Virul: For suspected virul outbreaks (flu or Norovirus) use a sterile swab to swab the affected area (nasopharangeal swabs for flu or anal, fresh stool, or fresh vomitus swabs for Norovirus), put the swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM) and break of the end of the swab, cap and refrigerate if the specimens can be transported within 72 hours or freeze if not. Bacterial: For suspected G.I. bacterial outbreaks collect fresh stool in a stabilizing media such as Cary-Blair Transport Media. Transport on ice as soon as possible. For suspected respiratory outbreaks collect swabs as above for flu using a Universal Transport Media (UTM). Parasites: For suspected G.I. parasites collect fresh stool in an Ova and Parasite (O&P) Transport Media. Transport at room temp. Contact the Laboratory Services Dept for any assistance and questions on specimen collection at (619)556-7070.

• Q: How do I ship potentially infectious specimens for testing to the lab?
  A: Follow the FedEx instructions for shipping Clinical Samples, Biological Substances Category B (UN 3373) and Environmental Test Samples located here: FedEx Shiiping Catagory B Clinicical Samples or contact the Laboratory Services Dept at (619)556-7070 for assistance. We also have an account with a world wide shipping company for packages originating outside of FedEx shipping areas.

• Q: I’m an IDC or ALT about to deploy and would like to update my Malaria, Parasite, and/or Microbiology skills before departing. Can you help?
  A: Yes! Please contact the Education and Training Dept for regular Malaria CANTRAC classes and the Laboratory Services Dept at (619)556-7070 for other individual training.