Wisconsin Medical Journal

Mr Pfister is Assistant Scientist/Epidemiologist, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene; Dr Golubjatnikov is Emeritus Chief Immunologist, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and Emeritus Assistant Clinical Professor of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dr Arcari is Assistant Professor of Population Health Sciences, University of WisconsinMadison; Doctor Davis is Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Communicable Disease, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. Please direct correspondence to John R. Pfister, MS, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 465 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706; 608.262.7404; [email protected]. ABSTRACT Public health laboratories play an important role in screening programs for asymptomatic diseases of public health importance in high-risk and underserved populations. The implementation of targeted screening strategies for communicable diseases requires thorough planning and evaluation. The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) systematically selects and evaluates laboratory tests used in communicable disease control programs coordinated by the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. To do this, the epidemiologic features of the disease in potential target populations are carefully assessed, with the choice of laboratory tests based on performance as well as practical and cost considerations. Laboratory testing at WSLH plays a crucial role in screening programs for sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections. Hallmarks of these programs are cross-sector collaboration, empirical selection of laboratory testing methods, and the use of epidemiologic data to develop and evaluate targeted screening strategies.