The Immunology Section conducts testing in support of the MSDH HIV/STD Program, Family Planning Program, the TB Program, and the Office of Epidemiology.

Certain assays performed in this laboratory section provide routine surveillance information, such as HIV screening of all new jail inmates in the state. Other assays are performed to facilitate outbreak investigations, such as Hepatitis A antibody screening for restaurant employees or Shiga-like toxin detection in clinical specimens or food associated with foodborne illnesses. Arbovirus screening is provided to support continuing surveillance of mosquito-borne illness.

Tests Available

• HIV antibody/antigen screening with confirmation
• Hepatitis testing, including Hepatitis A, B and C
• Measles and mumps antibody testing is available for outbreak investigations.
• Quantitative HCG (pregnancy test)
• Exposure to M. tuberculosis is detected using a whole blood interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)
• ELISA-based screening for Shiga-like toxins in stools and food
• West Nile virus and other arboviral infections
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing using a Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT)
• Syphilis testing performed using the traditional algorithm of an RPR with confirmation by TP-PA.

Technology

Most antibody assays performed are in the CIA, ELISA or ELFA format. Testing is performed using both highly automated instrumentation and research-level assays with manual procedures. Fully automated instrumentation is utilized to perform NAAT for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Laboratory Services Requests

The guidelines for sample collection, transport, and ordering can be obtained from the Laboratory Services Guide. Please note that some research-level assays require prior permission for submission. All requests for clinical testing must be made by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner