Laboratory Building Move
In 2025, the State Health Laboratories will move from 50 Orms Street in Providence to a new building at 150 Richmond Street in Providence. The new building is under construction. The move is tentatively scheduled to occur in phases in late summer 2025.
Some testing services may be temporarily unavailable before and after the move. This will allow time for the team to set up the lab equipment correctly and make sure tests results are accurate.
Information for Laboratory Clients
The Lab is working to confirm the exact dates of any service disruptions. Any dates listed on this page are estimates and are subject to change. We will update this page as more information becomes available.
Public Water Systems
The Lab expects to stop accepting samples at its current location at 50 Orms Street in early August. Certain water testing services, such as testing for coliform bacteria, may resume at the new building within a few weeks of the move. Other services may be unavailable for several months. While the Lab is not accepting samples, public water systems must submit required samples to another certified analytical laboratory.
Drinking Water Testing – Private Well Owners and Homeowners
The Lab expects to stop accepting drinking water samples from private well owners and homeowners for a period beginning in early August. While testing services are not available, you can submit samples to another certified drinking water testing lab.
Forensic Testing
The Lab anticipates potential disruptions in forensic testing services around the time of the move to the new building. RIDOH will share information and guidance with law enforcement as the move approaches. Agencies that have evidence in need of priority testing should submit it as soon as possible.
Clinical Specimen Testing
Currently, the Lab expects minimal disruptions to clinical specimen testing services. The Lab will share more information with clients as the move gets closer.
Other Environmental Testing Services
Currently, the Lab expects minimal disruptions for the following testing services:
- Rabies testing
- Beach water testing
- Pool water testing
The Lab will share information about anticipated changes to other testing services as the move gets closer.