High-tech addition to state labs opens

SHORELINE — A high-tech addition to Washington state’s Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline is opening Friday.

State officials say the addition was necessary to keep up with testing demand because of population growth, new infectious diseases and changes in lab testing and safety technologies.

Health Secretary Mary Selecky says nearly every family in Washington has a connection to the public health labs, since blood samples from all newborns in Washington are tested for genetic conditions and health problems.

The labs investigate foodborne illness like E. coli, Salmonella and other bacteria. And the state’s water quality is monitored, and environmental health hazards are identified.

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