Public Health Laboratory Services Branch

New dimension
Recent outbreaks highlighted the importance of quality laboratory services. Continuous improvement in microbiology and virology support is the current focus. New laboratories including a Molecular Virology Laboratory and an Emerging Pathogen Laboratory will be set up.

Spectrum of work
• Provide laboratory diagnostic services for disease surveillance and control, health promotion and disease prevention;
• Provide public health consultation service relating to microbiology and virology;
• Provide laboratory support on outbreak investigation;
• Conduct quality assurance programme for continuous improvement of standards of laboratories in Hong Kong;
• Act as Reference Laboratory to provide confirmatory service and technology transfer/training for laboratory personnel; and
• Collaborate with local and international partners on disease surveillance, infection control standards and information exchanges.