"In the Midst of Change," the State Hygienic Laboratory's annual report, recently was published to highlight the activities of Iowa's environmental and public health laboratory in fiscal year 2011.

"It is estimated that laboratory testing impacts more than 70 percent of medical decisions," Hygienic Lab Director Christopher Atchison said in the report. "This work is occurring within an environment of profound system change in the role of government and in the delivery of healthcare services.

"As Iowa navigates through this change, the State Hygienic Laboratory will continue to assure the components of scientific testing, infrastructure, development and workforce abilities are aligning with the broad system changes that guarantee the health of all Iowans."

The annual report examines the Laboratory's new Research division that promotes scientific advancements by the Disease Control Division, Environmental Health Programs, Newborn and Maternal Screening and others. It also highlights collaborations with the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Cerro Gordo County Department of Health, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and other public health partners.