Bacteriology Laboratory

Laboratory Services

The Bacteriology Laboratory serves as the New York State public health reference laboratory for bacterial identification and research. The laboratory is responsible for the identification of bacterial pathogens of public health significance. Additionally, the laboratory participates in the investigation of outbreaks, including foodborne and waterbourne outbreaks, all affecting the public of New York State.

The mission of the laboratory includes continued efforts in applied and basic research to investigate the latest modern technology advances as well as to maintain testing capabilities necessary for identifying and characterizing emerging infectious diseases. The unique public health services offered include many molecular methods that are often developed in-house and are important for rapid bacterial identification and characterization.

Another role the laboratory plays is in the continued education of clinical laboratory personnel through various seminars, workshops, and training opportunities, as well as the administration of a proficiency testing program for laboratories testing New York State patient specimens.