Program Overview . . .
The unique laboratory program combines medical and environmental laboratory programs into one laboratory services program. Staff are becoming cross-trained and certified to work in all areas of the lab. The lab is certified with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with DNR and with CLIA. Laboratory staff are also working on acquiring AAAAI and NAB certfification for the pollen program.

In addition to being certified, all laboratory programs undergo proficiency testing to ensure staff are providing relable results to clients. Staff are very proud of the laboratory program and continue to improve as they aspire to be one of the top laboratories in Missouri.

Milk Program . . .
The milk program tests raw and finished milk products from the surrounding area and Arkansas. The tests offered are bacterial counts, inhibitor testing, somatic cell counts, butterfats and water in milk. Staff also check for proper pasteurization of the finished products.

Water Program . . .
The water program tests for bacteria and E. coli in drinking water. During the summer, staff also test these levels in lakes, rivers, streams and pools. For a minimal fee, the lab also offers chemical testing, such as chlorine, nitrate, sulfate, iron and hardness.

Medical Program . . .
The laboratory offers testing for the sexually transmitted disease clinic, the HIV/AIDS clinc and the tuberculosis clinic. Tests offered include syphilis, Chlamydia and gonorrhea, wet mounts, gram stains, Chem-14 and rapid HIV. Staff also provide lead testing for children from the ages of 6 months to 6 years from all over southwest Missouri and Arkansas.

Pollen Program . . .
The pollen program has a new state of the art collection system recognized by the AAAI and NAB. Staff provide pollen counts for the area beginning in February and continuing through the first heavy frost or November 1 (whichever comes first). The pollen counts are posted online and shared with local media.