Public Health Laboratory

Purpose

The Humboldt County Public Health Laboratory provides laboratory testing services and support for community health providers to aid in the diagnosis and control of communicable diseases and promote a healthy environment. The laboratory also plays a key role in emergency preparedness by providing testing services, training, and support for area laboratories.

Services Offered

  • Bacteriological water analysis
  • Blood lead testing
  • Clinical Microbiology testing (respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, sexually transmitted infections and vaccine-preventable diseases)
  • Consultation and training for laboratorians, physicians and nurses
  • Mycobacteriology testing
  • Non-diagnostic General Health Assessment (NGHA) certification
  • Tick testing (testing for bacterium that causes Lyme disease).

Specimen Submissions

  • All clinical specimen submissions require an order from a licensed physician. 
  • Specimen submissions for bacteriological water analysis may be brought to the laboratory Monday through Thursday during normal business hours. 
  • Tick submissions to be tested for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, may be brought to the laboratory or sent via courier. Please include a laboratory requisition and payment.