Toward a National Laboratory System for Public Health
2001
Toward a National Laboratory System for Public Health
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Michael R. Skeels
Primary Institution: Oregon State Public Health Laboratory
Hypothesis
A cohesive national system of laboratories is needed to support community health activities.
Conclusion
A national laboratory system would improve public health by ensuring consistent laboratory capacity and better information sharing.
Supporting Evidence
- Laboratory services for infectious and toxic agents are vital to community health.
- Information technology has made real-time data sharing on a large scale possible.
- Most communicable disease diagnosis and reporting occurs in private sector laboratories.
Takeaway
We need a better system of labs to help keep people healthy, and they should work together to share important information.
Limitations
The current system is inconsistent and lacks coordination among public and private laboratories.
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