The San Bernardino County Public Health
Laboratory is a California State Department of
Public Health certified laboratory as well as a
CLIA federally certified laboratory. We provide a
broad range of reference and diagnostic services
in the fields of bacteriology, virology, immunology,
mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and
food and water bacteriology.
Our goal: To support county health programs by
providing accurate and timely results in order to
help reduce morbidity and mortality.
Our Mission: To promote and improve the health, safety, well being, and quality of life of San Bernardino County residents by identifying and preventing the spread of infectious diseases by providing quality and timely laboratory services.
General Information
The San Bernardino County Public Health Laboratory office staff can answer questions concerning test information, patient results, specimen collection and transport, courier service, supply requests, and test service availability. The laboratory office staff may also be able to help you identify an alternative source of testing when tests are not performed in our laboratory.
Specimen Submissions
Laboratory tests contribute vital information about a patient’s health. Correct diagnostic and therapeutic decisions rely, in part, on the accuracy of test results. Adequate patient preparation, specimen collection and specimen handling are essential prerequisites for accurate testing. The accuracy of test results is dependent on the integrity of specimens.
Specimen Labeling: All specimens should be labeled in the presence of the patient with the patient’s name, specimen date, and time collected.
Go to Specimen Guidelines for more information.
Specimen Requisition Forms
There are two forms available for test requests – a “Laboratory Test Request” form, and a “Clinical Technology” request form. These forms are available upon request by submitting a “Laboratory Supplies and Forms” Requisition.
The Laboratory Test Request forms are triple copy – The white original and yellow copy are returned to the lab. The pink copy stays with the submitter. Laboratory Test Request forms are submitted for immunological evidence of infection from blood and CSF specimens and for isolation and/or identification of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses.
The Clinical Technology request form has a green original with a yellow and pink copy, the yellow copy being a report form, and the pink copy for patients that contain only pregnancy results. Clinical Technology Request forms are to be submitted for clinical tests performed that require an immediate report: wet mounts, pregnancy tests, and urinalysis.
Please follow these steps in filling out the forms. Please print all information legibly.
Laboratory Test Request Forms
- Fill in patient information in upper middle section: Last name, First name, and/or patient ID number, sex, and date of birth. Fill in billing information, if appropriate. Always verify that the name on the requisition and the name on the specimen are in agreement.
- Fill in the date and time specimen was collected in upper right section. Mark the box for the specimen source. If specimen is “other,” specify source on the blank line.
- Fill in your submitter number or name and address in the upper left section. Fill in the NPI# for submitters outside the Public Health Department. Submitter numbers can be obtained by calling the Public Health Laboratory if you do not already have one.
- Mark the box for the test requested in the lower portion of the form. If the test requested is not listed, use “other tests” section in the lower middle column to specify what test you want performed.
- Submit both white and yellow copies of the request with your specimen. One form may be used for multiple specimens from the same patient. Be sure to mark all the specimen sources and all the tests requested.
Supplies
Most routine supplies needed to submit
specimens to the Public Health Laboratory
are provided free of charge. A laboratory
supplies
requisition form is available upon request for your orders. All orders may be mailed, faxed, or delivered to the public health laboratory for delivery that week.
Mail code - #0011
Fax: (909) 383-3094
Test Reporting
Laboratory test results are provided on a single 8 ½ x 11-inch report form. The report form includes comprehensive patient information as well as test results. Requests for copies of final reports must be submitted to the lab office staff in writing. Anyone who requires additional information on patient test results should contact the laboratory office.
Special Projects
The Public Health Laboratory welcomes the opportunity to discuss any special needs you may have. Research studies and special clinical projects can be customized upon request. For more details, contact the laboratory director.
Certifications
State of California Department of Public Health – Public Health Lab #1231
CLIA 880A05D0665059
CLIA Certificate ID#05D0665059
Environmental Lab Certificate – Provider performed by State of California
Department of Public Health Services #1628
California Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS): The California Department of Health,
Microbial Disease Laboratory is a CA CLS Accrediting Agency #0197
E-Subscriptions
