The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory (VDHL) is a state-of-the-art scientific facility that ensures Vermont’s public health by:
monitoring for disease outbreaks
providing emergency response services for biological, radiological and chemical threats
providing environmental testing for food, drinking water and radiation contamination
providing clinical testing for healthcare settings and underserved populations
We responded to seven outbreaks, increased radiologic air testing and increased drinking water testing accessibility.
Water testing – The Lab provides various types of water testing to assess public and private drinking water and recreational water for quality and human health.
Radon in air testing – The Lab recommends testing your home for radon in the air through at least part of a heating season. We offer long-, medium- and short-term test kits.
Rabies testing – When preapproved by the State Veterinarian, the public may send in animals for rabies testing.
Bacteriology – Bordetella, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoeae, Brucella, Syphilis, and more
Blood Lead – Pediatric testing
Mycology and Mycobacteriology – Tuberculosis and fungi testing
Parasitology – Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia, Pinworms, and more
Virology – Influenza, Norovirus, Hepatitis, HIV, Measles, and more
The Vermont legislature established the “Vermont State Laboratory of Hygiene” in 1898. It was the third of its kind to be organized in the United States. The Lab was charged with examining water, milk and food products for chemical and bacterial contamination, and to investigate suspected cases of infectious and contagious diseases.
The Lab shared its work with Vermont’s Health Officers’ School in 1899, creating enthusiasm for public health work.
In 1963, the Lab implemented a screening program for kidney, heart, diabetes and gout diseases. After a couple of years, the program got a van and the clinics became mobile, traveling to industries, schools and other community locations to test children and adults.
In 2015, the Lab moved to its current location in Colchester. It is a state-of-the-art scientific facility capable of testing highly infectious agents and toxins (ex. Anthrax) in its Bio-Safety Level 3 containment unit. The Lab was at the forefront of testing and whole genome sequencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We would like to hear about your experiences with VDHL services. Click the link to fill out our customer survey.
Our Vision: To be the most innovative, quality-focused, customer-oriented Public Health Laboratory in the United States.
Our Mission: To promote health and prevent disease by providing:
Quality Analytical Services
Leadership in Laboratory Science
Support to Public Health and Environmental Activities
For detailed information on how to reach us, please see our Contact Us page.
If you need to reach Customer Service, please call 800-660-9997 or 802-338-4724.
