DISEASE CONTROL
DIVISION
The primary mission of the Disease Control Division is to test human specimens, food and water for diseases of public health significance. Much of this testing is unique to the Hygienic Laboratory. The testing services help prevent the spread of disease in Iowa through the detection of infectious germs, newborn screening for genetic disorders and maternal screening.

Serology

The Serology section tests blood serum for levels of antibodies resulting from exposure to a particular bacteria or virus. The most commonly performed serological tests provided by the Hygienic Laboratory, such as hepatitis, HIV and syphilis screening, support several Iowa Department of Public Health programs as well as the Iowa Department of Corrections. The Hygienic Lab performs Interferon (interferon-gamma) release assay (IGRAs) (Quantiferon) testing for latent tuberculosis.

Arbovirus surveillance is conducted for the Iowa Department of Public Health and historically consists of two testing components: sentinel chickens and mosquitoes. In 2014, the sentinel chicken component of the program was discontinued due to funding restrictions, but the mosquito surveillance component remains active.

Major achievements:

  • Increased QuantiFERON testing volume by adding the student health programs of several Iowa universities that enroll international students.