Bureau of Laboratories

The Bureau of Laboratories, located in Exton, Pennsylvania, plays a pivotal role in the state's public health system. Approximately 30 miles west of Philadelphia and two and a half miles south of Exit 312 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, this bureau operates the state public health lab and regulates clinical laboratories that serve the residents of Pennsylvania.Mission:

Our mission is to provide clinical laboratory testing, advice, consultation, and quality assurance standards to all those who require or deliver medical diagnostic services. We are dedicated to ensuring that these services are accurate, timely, state-of-the-art, cost-effective, and delivered in a responsive and courteous manner.Services:

The Bureau of Laboratories supports disease prevention through investigatory, diagnostic, and confirmatory testing for both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Routine testing provides essential information for patient care and helps monitor ongoing public health concerns in Pennsylvania. Availability:

The bureau operates from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, there is 24-hour coverage for critical tests, such as rabies testing, and for responding to public health emergencies.Testing Information:

For a comprehensive list of available tests, please refer to our Directory of Services. While most testing is coordinated through the Department of Health's state health centers and other public health programs, the general public can submit animals for rabies testing if a human has been exposed to a potentially rabid animal. For more details, see our Rabies page.Certification and Reliability:

An image of our current CLIA certificate, including the CLIA number, is available on our website. To verify the reliability of a laboratory performing your test, the bureau can confirm if it is licensed and in good standing under state and federal regulations. For more detailed inspection reports, please submit a formal, written request.Obtaining Results:

It is recommended to work with your physician to obtain and interpret your laboratory results. However, you may also request a copy directly from the laboratory that performed the test, typically requiring a written request.Complaints and Issues:

If you have concerns about the quality of laboratory testing or safety issues, please contact the bureau to file a complaint. All complaints are thoroughly investigated.Additional Information:

For more information about the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and interpretive guidance for the oversight of clinical labs, please visit our website.