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Measles cases are on the rise globally and here in Illinois the number is increasing as well. Vaccines are 97% effective in preventing this highly contagious disease.  To learn more about this infection and get information on vaccination, go to https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/measles.html.  Learn how to identify measles and the safe and effective vaccine that can prevent this potentially life-threatening infection for adults and children. 

Lab Testing & Services

  • Clinical Testing Clinical Testing The mission of Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories is to support public health epidemiology programs by providing clinical and environmental laboratory data. The Division of Laboratories serves Illinois' public health system and environmental protection network with high quality diagnostic and analytical laboratory testing.
  • Emergency Procedures Assistance for after-hour emergencies (e.g., human exposure to a potentially rabid animal) is available through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) statewide emergency response system. In these special cases, arrangements can be made to submit samples/specimens or to report public health emergencies by calling the following: Within Illinois 217-782-7860 Outside
  • Environmental Milk Lab Certification The Illinois Department of Public Health has been designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the certifying agency for approval of microbiological laboratories processing official samples of milk.The laboratory certification program ensures that approved laboratories use methods and techniques that are in substantial agreement with the current editions
  • Environmental Testing The Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory Services Manual provides a description of all environmental tests available at the laboratory and other useful information. The Springfield laboratory is certified by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for dairy laboratory grade testing and is certified by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to test drinking
  • Environmental Water Lab Certification The Illinois Department of Public Health has been designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the certifying agency for approval of microbiological laboratories processing official samples of water.The laboratory certification program ensures that approved laboratories use methods and techniques that are in substantial agreement with the current editions of the
  • General Requirements It is vital to ensure that the quality of samples is not compromised, the etiological agents remain viable, and the samples do not endanger the safety of those delivering or receiving them. The laboratories are required to reject any sample that is leaking or otherwise unsafe. The laboratory will be able to complete testing of samples without delay, if submitter: Provides all
  • Newborn Screening Newborn screening is a half-century old, state-mandated public health activity aimed at early identification of babies affected with certain genetic, metabolic and congenital disorders. Screening, in Illinois, began in 1965 with testing for PKU (phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder) and now encompasses screenings prior to discharge from a hospital or birthing center for more
  • Zika Testing For Health Care Providers and LHDs IDPH will test individuals who may have been exposed to Zika virus. This includes people who have: Traveled to a Zika virus affected area Had sex (oral, vaginal, anal) with a person who has traveled to a Zika virus affected area Pregnant women who may have been exposed to Zika virus do not need to have symptoms in order to be tested at the IDPH laboratory.