BRAZOS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SERVICES

We support services within the Health Department. The laboratory provides clinical and environmental diagnostic services which includes the following:

Test Drinking Water (Bacteriological Analysis)
- Samples are accepted only on Monday - Thursday before 3:00 P.M.
- Samples must be taken in approved testing bottle (no sterilized mason jars or alcohol bottles) which are available at the Health Department.
- Test results are available the next day, after 3:00 P.M. Results are mailed the day after the results are read.
- There is a charge of $15.00/sample.
- No surface water will be tested (no streams or ponds).
Private Water Testing (samples submitted by private individuals):
- Testing Instructions and Information (pdf)
- Well Disinfection Instructions (pdf)
- Information for Private Well Owners (pdf)
If you are a private individual taking a sample, please only fill out the areas highlighted on this demonstration form (areas are not highlighted on the actual water form that you receive at the health department)

Infectious Disease Testing, or Service
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea Cultures
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Yeast
- Trichomonas
- Tuberculosis
- Pertussis
- TP-PA as needed
- HSV cultures - available through reference lab
- Microscopy
  - Gram's Stains (male and female tests)
  - Wet Preps
  - Darkfield

Accuracy of testing is supported by proficiency testing of water and medical samples by two outside commercial companies. We are in compliance, for certification, with CLIA for high complexity medical testing. We are accredited by NELAC for testing of coliform bacteria in drinking water. Extensive quality control is done in the lab. We are not a full service lab and are limited to testing drinking water, certain infectious diseases, and sexually transmitted diseases. Our services include some tests done by reference labs.

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E-mail comments or questions to: Brazos County Health Department

Revised 08/27/2008