Department of Health
Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, Commissioner
Featured Topics
- Newborn Screening Forms Revised (12/09)
- 2010 Changes in Mycology Services (02/10)
- Interim Recommendations for Clinical Use of Influenza Diagnostic Tests During the 2009-2010 Influenza Season
- CDC Flu Treatment Recommendations
- Influenza Testing FAQs
- TDOH Lab Testing Policy Letter (08/17/09)
- TDOH State Laboratory Testing Policy for H1N1 (08/17/09)
- Discontinued Test for Subtyping N. meningiditis
- Change in Newborn Screening Biotinidase Testing
- Charge for Required Testing of Microbiological Parameters for Drinking Water Samples
- Charge for Repeat/Unsatisfactory Specimens
- Discontinuation of Routine Throat Culture Testing
- Increase in Fee for Newborn Screening Test
About Laboratory Services
The Mission of Laboratory Services is to provide high quality analytical services of medical and environmental testing and to achieve the Mission of the Department of Health
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Laboratory Services consists of the Microbiology Laboratories and Environmental Laboratories in Nashville, Jackson, and Knoxville. The central laboratory is housed in Nashville in a dedicated state of the art facility. The laboratory consists of 177 full time employees. The Nashville Laboratory also houses the Southeast National Laboratory Training Network Office.
The Microbiology Laboratories are licensed by the State of Tennessee Laboratory Licensing Service (LLS) and certified by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CLIA Laboratory Certificate of Compliance) to perform clinical testing. The laboratories perform a wide range of microbiological testing in the areas of Bacteriology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Microbiology, Mycobacteriology, Parasitology, Mycology, Immunoserology, Virology, and Newborn Screening. Laboratory Services is also the State Emergency Preparedness Laboratory for biological agents. The Microbiology Laboratory performs over 1,000,000 tests per year.
The Environmental Laboratories in Nashville, Jackson and Knoxville are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Each laboratory follows guidelines, regulations, and methodology as prescribed by the EPA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and other federal or state programs. The Environmental Laboratory consists of the Organic, Inorganic, Radiochemistry, Aquatic Biology, and Chemical Terrorism Laboratories. The Environmental Laboratories perform testing in support of other state departments such as the Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Labor, and the Department of Transportation.
Objectives of Laboratory Services
- To provide quality-assured microbiological and environmental chemistry laboratory services.
- To assist other Tennessee laboratories in developing and strengthening their laboratory services.
- To serve the entire state as a reference laboratory for difficult, unusual or otherwise unavailable laboratory procedures.
- To serve as a resource of information on laboratory practice.
- To test human and related specimens and environmental samples.
- To assist in the development, evaluation, and standardization of medical and environmental laboratory testing procedures.
- To participate in special studies and research projects.
- To provide refresher training and information updates.
Locations
Central Laboratory
Laboratory Services
630 Hart Lane
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Phone: (615) 262-6300
Fax: (615) 262-6393
Regional Laboratories
Knoxville Regional Laboratory
1522 Cherokee Trail
Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone: (865) 549-5201
Fax: (865) 594-5199
Jackson Regional Laboratory
295 Summar Drive
Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: (731) 426-0686
Fax: (731) 421-5199
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