Updated: July 31, 2026
Diagnostic Serology Laboratory
The Diagnostic Serology Section is dedicated to providing the most accurate and high quality laboratory analyses for sexually transmitted diseases and hepatitis to the citizens of South Carolina. This is achieved by using tests that assure cost effectiveness and minimum turnaround time. Results generated by the Diagnostic Serology Laboratory make it possible for health services personnel across the state to detect populations at risk for disease, track case contacts, educate the public to the dangers of the disease and reduce the number of new cases. This commitment helps accomplish the vision of providing healthy people with a healthy community in which to live and work.
Services Offered
HIV-1 Screening and Confirmation
- HIV-1/HIV-2 Ag/Ab screening test performed followed by confirmatory testing.
Hepatitis Testing
- Hepatitis A-Outbreaks
- Hepatitis B-Diagnostic profiles and immune status
- Hepatitis C-HCV Ab screening test followed by confirmatory testing.
Viral Load Testing
- HIV-1-Therapeutic monitoring of HIV infection
- HCV-Confirmatory test for Hepatitis C
Chlamydia and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Testing
- CT/GC testing for detection performed from a single sample and multiple sites.
Syphilis Screening
- Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) screening test.
- Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA)-Aid in determining stage of infection.
Virology and Rabies Laboratory
The Virology and Rabies Laboratory's mission is to provide rapid identification of viruses causing disease and to provide surveillance and monitoring data for the prevention of future outbreaks.
This laboratory is the only provider in South Carolina for rabies testing on animals suspected of carrying the rabies virus. A standardized protocol for rabies detection from the CDC is strictly followed to ensure the safety of the citizens of South Carolina. Another large component of this laboratory is the Influenza surveillance that is performed year-round to monitor the virus for changes in antigenic characteristics and anti-viral resistance throughout the year. The laboratory works closely with CDC to monitor for novel Influenza strains. Additionally, the laboratory performs outbreak response testing for measles and mumps as well as screening for TB contact investigations and arboviral surveillance in humans, mosquitoes, and birds.
Services Offered
Respiratory Virus Testing
Molecular methods including RT-PCR and multiplex PCR to detect and identify various respiratory pathogens for surveillance and outbreak identification purposes. Viral pathogens include Influenza A and B through subtyping, Parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3, Adenovirus, Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), Rhino/Enterovirus, and Coronavirus.
TB Screening
Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for screening purposes to aid in tuberculosis (TB) contact investigations.
Arbovirus Surveillance
Arboviral surveillance includes both RT-PCR and serological assays for a variety of mostly zoonotic viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. They cause clinical syndromes of varying severity in humans. Viruses include Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), and California-group.
Preventable Diseases Surveillance
Laboratory support for preventable disease surveillance for testing Measles, Mumps, Varicella, and Rubella.
Rabies Testing
The Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test for rabies virus is primarily directed against the nucleoprotein (antigen) of the virus. The Public Health Laboratory is the only laboratory in the state to perform rabies virus testing on animal heads. All suspected human rabies cases are tested at the CDC.