NANCY HALL: nancy-hall@uiowa.edu
The Environmental Microbiology section provides
analytical services to detect potentially harmful
microorganisms in many environmental matrices,
including food and water. Such analyses are used
in outbreak investigations to pinpoint the source
of contamination and to assess the environmental
impact from exposure to
microbial contaminants.
Culture confirmation
of microorganisms
is critical in the
performance of DNA
fingerprinting on the
food, environmental and
clinical stool isolates to
evaluate the scope of
the outbreak — local or
national — and focus
remediation efforts.
Laboratory testing is
also provided in support
of statewide water
surveillance programs to
assess the overall safety
of public and private
drinking water supplies,
surface waters (lakes and
ponds), and recreational
waters (pools and spas).
Pathogen analyses of water, food and environmental samples are expanding
with emphasis on Cryptosporidium, Legionella,
Salmonella and Listeria.
Other Units in Disease Control
The Office of the Director consists of 10 key functional units that enable the State Hygienic Laboratory to achieve its statutory charge set forth in the Iowa Administrative Code.
The primary mission of the Disease Control Division is to test human specimens, food and water for diseases of public health significance to protect the citizens of Iowa.
The Environmental Health Division monitors drinking water, wastewater, air, soil and food for contaminants of potential environmental and public health concern.
The Division of Administration and Finance is responsible for the management of the business practices, all Hygienic Laboratory facilities, and pre/post testing support.