Laboratory Disease Spotlight
Below, health professionals will find helpful information regarding testing, specimen collection, and specimen submission for some of the most prevalent health concerns.
Current trends in infectious disease
MDH Webinar: Tularemia Cases Increasing in Minnesota: 2025 Update
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Next-Generation Sequencing COVID-19 Sample Submission: information for health professionals regarding laboratory specimen collection and submission to the PHL Infectious Disease Laboratory
Measles information
- Lab Testing for Measles at the MDH Public Health Laboratory: information for health professionals regarding specimen collection and submission. The results turnaround time is 1-2 working days upon receipt of specimen.
Laboratory influenza information
The following contain information for health professionals regarding specimen collection and submission:
- Seasonal Flu Lab Information
- Novel Influenza A Virus (H7N9) Lab Information
- Influenza A Variant Viruses (H3N2v and H1N2v) Lab Information
CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae)
- Laboratory Testing and Protocols: information for health professionals regarding specimen collection and submission
Ebola virus information
The following contain information for health professionals regarding specimen collection and submission:
- Ebola Information for Health Professionals
- Ebola Laboratory Testing, including Specimen Submission Guidelines
- MLS Lab Alerts
Zika virus testing
The following contain information on the tests used and interpreting and understanding test results. Biosafety and specimen collection information are also found here:
- MDH: General Zika Virus Information
- CDC: Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Zika Virus Disease
- FDA: Zika Virus Emergency Use Authorizations
Please Contact the Infectious Disease Lab with questions.
Last Updated: 09/10/2025