Allegheny County Opens State-of-the-Art Public Health Laboratory
Published on April 07, 2025
A Cutting-Edge Investment to Strengthen Regional Health & Safety
WARRENDALE, PA -- Allegheny County officials and public health leaders gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of the new Allegheny County Health Department Public Health Laboratory, a cutting-edge facility that will enhance the county’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to public health threats more efficiently than ever before.
Located at 119 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA, this 40,000-square-foot facility will provide faster, more accurate diagnostic testing for infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and emerging public health concerns. With the addition of a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory, the county is now better equipped to address high-risk pathogens such as tuberculosis, anthrax, and other emerging infectious diseases.
County Executive Sara Innamorato emphasized that the investment in the lab was a strategic use of federal and county funds.
“This is a smart, forward-thinking investment for Allegheny County,” Innamorato said. “By utilizing federal funding strategically, we’ve built a facility that not only strengthens our public health infrastructure but also provides cost-saving benefits for our local clinics and healthcare providers. Faster results mean better care for our residents.”
“I am excited to see the launch of the new Allegheny County Health Department lab. It will strengthen the Commonwealth’s public health infrastructure by expanding capacity for testing and rapid disease response,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Having strong and well-resourced public health laboratories helps ensure that Pennsylvania residents remain healthy and safe.”
Previously, many tests had to be sent to state or national laboratories, delaying results and increasing costs. Now, essential testing that was once shipped to Florida, Texas, or Georgia can be performed locally—dramatically improving emergency response time.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also served as a kickoff to National Public Health Week, highlighting the vital role that public health infrastructure plays in protecting communities.
“This is a game-changer for public health,” said Dr. Iulia Vann, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “With expanded testing capabilities, we can identify health threats faster, reduce barriers for healthcare providers, and ensure that our region is prepared for whatever challenges come next.”
In addition to improving public health response, the lab also creates new jobs, with additional lab technicians and a specimen-receiving supervisor joining the 28 existing employees transitioning to the new facility.
Today’s grand opening was followed by a media tour of the facility, showcasing its expanded testing capabilities.
For more information on the new Public Health Laboratory and the services it provides, visit Public Health Laboratory - Allegheny County, PA.
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The Allegheny County Health Department's mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million people who call Allegheny County home.
Media inquiries may be directed to Ronnie Das, Public Information Officer
for the Health Department, at ronnie.das@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-578-7991.