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Kansas State Laboratory: Protecting Public Health & Environment

Learn about KDHE Laboratories' mission to safeguard Kansans' health, historical milestones, advanced diagnostic technology, certification programs, and recent updates. Contact Director Myron Gunsalus for more information.

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Kansas State Laboratory: Protecting Public Health & Environment

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  1. KDHE Division of Environment | Office of Laboratory Services N. Myron Gunsalus, Jr., Director | August 14, 2019

  2. Division of Environment KDHE Laboratories (KHEL) What is the Purpose of the State Lab? • Agency Mission: Protect & improve the health and environment of all Kansans. • Primacy under Safe Drinking Water Act • Laboratory and Certification Program • Prepare for and support disasters or acts of terrorism. • Reference Lab

  3. Division of Environment KDHE Laboratories (KHEL) History • The first analyses were performed in 1886 by Kansas Board of Health. • Analyses of waters and wastewaters began in 1907 under Division of Sanitation • 1976 lab was established in the present location…a 1956 Air Force Hospital

  4. Division of Environment KDHE Laboratories (KHEL) • Public Water Supply Testing • 1886: Initial testing began • 1939: Tests developed for fecal contamination • Now: More than 35 regulated contaminants tested

  5. Division of Environment KDHE Laboratories (KHEL) Technological Changes in Diagnostic Microbiology 1930’s: Now: Took days or weeks to confirm an infection using culture tubes, microscopes & plates Self contained test unit can detect more than 20 possible infections in about an hour

  6. Division of Environment KDHE Laboratories (KHEL) What is inside? • Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL) • Health Laboratory Section • Environmental Laboratory Section • Quality, Preparedness and Certifications Section

  7. Division of Environment KDHE Laboratories (KHEL) Updates and Current Happenings Testing • Expanded drinking water and ambient water testing for toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) • Added Legiolert to support Epidemiological investigation

  8. Division of Environment KDHE Laboratories (KHEL) Updates and Current Happenings Certification Programs • Fully staffed and up to date. • New Software streamlining program • Regulation Updates coming very soon

  9. Division of Environment KDHE Laboratories (KHEL) Thank You / Questions • N. Myron Gunsalus, Jr • Director • Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories • 6810 SE Dwight Street • Topeka, KS 66620 • (Forbes Field, Building 740) • Myron.Gunsalus@ks.gov • 785-296-0801

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