Laboratory Services Bureau
Toll free number: 1-800-821-7284
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
WHAT'S NEW?
West Nile
Although West Nile may not be new to Montana, it is the beginning of a “New” West Nile Virus season and the Montana Public Health Laboratory is ready for whatever lies ahead.
We are currently testing Mosquito Pools collected throughout the state. Most of these pools have been collected in Western Montana since this area has not been as heavily affected by WNV in previous years. Researchers at Montana State University collect and speciate the mosquitoes, and they are shipped to MTPHL for testing on a weekly basis. To date, we have tested 24 pools of Culex mosquitoes, the majority being C. tarsarlis, which have all been negative. C. tarsarlis mosquitoes are the most likely vector for WNV. By testing Mosquito Pools MTPHL is better able to anticipate when and where WNV will appear.
As for human testing, MTPHL offers both IgG and IgM analysis for WNV. Currently testing is being performed once a week, but as soon as we get into the peak of the season, testing will be performed two to three times a week.
Serology is the recommended method of testing for WNV in both serum and Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF), as viremia (as detected by PCR) is very transient. To aid in interpretation of test results, the most important piece of information to obtain is the DATE OF ONSET of illness. Laboratory results are then used in conjunction with the patient’s clinical information to determine the presence or absence of disease. The initial specimen (acute) should be drawn 8 days or less from the Date of Onset of illness. A convalescent serum specimen should be drawn 9 or more days post Date of Onset of illness.
For more information regarding WNV, visit the following links:
DPHHS WNV Fact Sheet
CDC WNV Clinical Description
DPHHS WNV Serology Interpretation
Expanded Newborn Screening Panel Effective January 17, 2008
Welcome to the Laboratory Services Bureau Website. The Laboratory Services Bureau focuses on the prevention and control of disease and the improvement of community health by providing testing in support of disease assessment and control to programs and health care providers at the state and local level. The Bureau provides analytical, consulting, and training services to programs of the State of Montana, local and federal agencies, local clinical laboratories and to the general public. The Laboratory Services Bureau is comprised of four major sections:
Environmental Laboratory Section
Supervisor: Judy Halm, 444-5259
Microbiology/Molecular Section
Supervisor: Susanne Zanto, 444-2839
Serology/Newborn Screening/Preparedness Section
Supervisor: Denise Higgins, 444-3040
Operational Support Section
Supervisor: Karen Wynne, 444-5246
The goal of all sections is to provide and ensure quality laboratory services throughout the state in order to actively assess, protect, and promote the health of Montana’s communities.
Bureau Chief: Anne Weber, 444-5559
