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Laboratory Testing Services
The Madison Department of Public Health (MDPH) offers laboratory testing services. The MDPH laboratories are certified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to perform analyses for 21 metals (including lead and copper) and 17 other water quality parameters (including nitrate). The microbiology laboratory is certified to analyze drinking water, milk and limited clinical samples for bacteria. The microbiology section will test well, surface, drinking and other types of water. Other testing services are available upon request. All testing requires the use of an MDPH sample kit. Sample kits can be picked up in person or can be sent via mail if paid for in advance. Costs vary by the type and quantity of testing requested.
Food Testing Program
To assure food quality and prevention of food-borne illnesses, the MDPH staff collects ready-to-eat food and soft-serve product samples from City restaurant and grocery stores. The samples are tested in the laboratory for potential microbial contamination.
For more information on testing services, please call 266-4821.