Quality Control and Payment

Quality Control

To our knowledge, no other laboratory has been so intimately involved over such an extended period of time in providing the analytical expertise necessary for monitoring the health of the residents of New Jersey as the Department of Health's Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL). This involvement has allowed PHEL to develop analytical capabilities that can be matched by few laboratories. Not only is PHEL dedicated to constantly expanding the scope and nature of services that it can provide, but also to generating the most accurate and defensible data possible. We assure this accuracy not only through the use of quality control, but by Total Quality Management (TQM).

Quality Control is an integral part of PHEL's daily life. Internal quality control samples are analyzed with each set of specimens. Internal blind proficiency samples are routinely introduced to test the accuracy of the analyses. External proficiency samples submitted by nationally recognized quality surveillance programs are also analyzed.

However, PHEL does not stop at controlling quality. We strive to continuously improve quality. That does not only pertain to the analytical process, but to every phase of laboratory activity and to the various ways that our customers interface with the laboratory. We are committed to Total Quality. At PHEL, quality control is essential but is only the starting point in supplying you with the accurate and efficient laboratory services that your operation requires.

Lab Testing Payment Information

Laboratory Tests -

The NJ Public Health & Environmental Laboratory, in order to reduce Administrative costs, has instituted a prepayment purchasing system for Laboratory services. Prepayment stamps must be purchased in advance and affixed to your laboratory request form, with the exception of Newborn Screening for Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) Testing requires a special specimen collection form (IEM 1) that must be purchased in advance. Both the prepayment stamps available in $25, $10, $5, $3, $2 and $1 denominations (use Lab-38 order form), and the special IEM 1 forms (use IEM 15 order form) are available at:

New Jersey State Department of Health
Public Health & Environmental Laboratories
CN 361
Trenton, NJ 08625-0361
609-292-5605

Make check or money order payable to the New Jersey State Department of Health.

Specimen Transport Kits -

These required kits insure against specimen damage while being transported, and will provide a safety barrier for specimen handlers. The kits are available for $1.00 per kit (one specimen per kit) for tests that are provided without charge. There is no separate kit fee for tests that are paid for as explained above. Kits may be purchased from the above listed address. Please make checks payable to the New Jersey State Department of Health.

Fee Schedule -

Additional Environmental and Public Health Lab Testing may be available please call 609-292-5605 for current list availability and pricing. Also, special billing arrangements can be made available to government agencies and nonprofit institutions. Please call the Public Health and Environmental Laboratory's Fiscal Officer at 609-292-5605 for information.