Welcome to the Lab
The Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) assists in the prevention, treatment and control of biological, chemical, and radiological hazards that threaten the community and environment. We are the assessment, surveillance and quality assurance division of the Maine CDC and partner with government agencies on state policy development and the quality assurance oversight of services provided by the public and private sectors.
Pediatric Blood Lead
Maine's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (MCLPPP) has implemented the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation to screen for childhood lead poisoning using blood lead level analysis. Consistent with State Law, 22 MRSA Section 1317, HETL provides blood lead testing in Maine. Additional information can be found at Childhood Blood Lead page.
Vectorborne
HETL offers Real-Time PCR diagnostic testing for the following infectious diseases: Chikungunya virus, Dengue virus, Powassan virus, Zika virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, Bourbon County virus, and Heartland virus. HETL offers microsphere immunoassay diagnostic testing for the following infectious diseases: West Nile Virus, Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus. HETL offers Real-Time PCR mosquito surveillance testing for the following infectious diseases: West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, and Jamestown Canyon Virus.
Respiratory
HETL offers Real-Time PCR diagnostic testing for the following infectious diseases: SARS-CoV-2, Parainfluenza virus, Influenza virus, Adenovirus, RSV, Rhinovirus, and Enterovirus. HETL also performs subtyping for Influenza virus.
Foodborne, Waterborne, Enteric
HETL offers Real-Time PCR diagnostic testing for the following infectious diseases: Salmonella, Shiga Toxin Expressing E. Coli (STEC), Enterovirus, Norovirus. HETL offers culture, species and 16S sequencing for the identification of: Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, Campylobacter, Vibrio, Haemophilus, and Listeria. HETL is a participating member of Federal CDC's Pulsenet laboratory network.
Vaccine Preventable
HETL offers Real-Time PCR diagnostic testing for the following infectious diseases: Measles, Mumps, Varicella-Zoster Virus, Neisseria meningitidis. HETL offers culture, species identification, and serology for: Haemophilus and Neisseria.
Antibiotic Resistance Genotyping
HETL offers Real-Time PCR diagnostic testing for carbapenem resistance genes and phenotypic testing for carbapenemase production. HETL is a participating member of US CDC's Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network.
Mycobacterium
HETL offers Real-Time PCR diagnostic testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium species identification by smear, culture, and 16S sequencing, and QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In Tube IGRA for exposure to Mycobacterium.
Rabies
HETL performs necropsy and florescent microcopy for Rabies following US CDC and APHL guidelines. Additional Rabies information may be found at the Maine CDC Rabies website.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
HETL offers serologic diagnostic testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. HETL offers diagnostic NAAT testing for Chlamydia and Neisseria, and Real-Time PCR diagnostic testing for Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2.
Sequencing
HETL conducts whole genome sequencing for public health surveillance purposes on foodborne bacteria, waterborne bacteria, hospital associated bacteria, Influenza, and viral metagenomics.
Laboratory Response Network: Biological
HETL offers Real-Time PCR and culture diagnostic and environmental testing for Francisella tularemia, Non-variola orthopoxvirus, Bacillius anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Ebola, Brucella spp., Burkholderia spp., Clostridium botulinum, Coxiella burnetti, and Time-resolved fluorescence testing for ricin. HETL is a participating member of US CDC's Laboratory Response Network and US CDC's and USDA's Select Agent Program