Essex Historical Marker

The Dr. Katherine A. Kelley State Public Health Laboratory in Rocky Hill, CT, plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health. Serving all communities in the state, the laboratory analyzes clinical specimens and environmental samples from various sources like federal and state agencies, local health departments, clinical laboratories, and more. With over 2 million test results generated annually from approximately 250,000 specimens, the laboratory's analytical data is instrumental in monitoring harmful agents, identifying disease outbreaks, and ensuring the efficacy of control measures such as vaccines and antibiotics. Comprising multiple specialized testing sections, the laboratory offers a range of essential services. The Microbiology and Infectious Diseases section conducts tests on infectious agents in humans, animals, food, and water, supporting epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigations. Additionally, the laboratory provides unique services like testing for emerging infectious diseases, DNA fingerprinting of foodborne pathogens, and animal testing for rabies. Moreover, the State Public Health Laboratory offers biomonitoring services to detect lead exposure in Connecticut's uninsured population, newborn screening for genetic disorders in newborns, and environmental testing for toxic chemical agents in various settings like public water supplies and consumer products. As a vital resource in public health preparedness, the laboratory's contributions extend to monitoring the nuclear power industry and maintaining readiness to respond to radiation emergencies and hazardous chemical exposures. Generated from the website content