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 scheduled to occur in phases in late summer through early fall 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
| Last day to submit samples to 50 Orms Street | First day to submit samples to 150 Richmond Street | What to do while the Lab is not accepting samples |
| 9/10/25 | To be determined | Submit required samples to another certified analytical laboratory. |
Notes: 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. This page will be updated when the Lab starts accepting samples at its new location.
Drinking Water Testing for Private Well Owners and Homeowners
| Last day to submit samples to 50 Orms Street | First day to submit samples to 150 Richmond Street | What to do while the Lab is not accepting samples |
| 9/10/25 | To be determined | Submit required samples to another certified drinking water testing lab. |
Pool Water Testing
| Last day to submit specimens to 50 Orms St. | First day to submit specimens to 150 Richmond St. |
| 9/10/25 | To be determined |
Forensic Testing
The Lab will suspend evidence submissions for a period of time to move operations to the new building. Dates listed below are estimates and subject to change as equipment is tested and verified after the move.
| Type of evidence | Last day to submit evidence to 50 Orms St. | First day evidence accepted at 150 Richmond St. |
| Forensic drug evidence (seized drugs) | 8/22/25 | 9/15/25 |
| Forensic biology/DNA/CODIS | 8/22/25 | 9/15/25 |
| Forensic toxicology/DUI (impaired driving) | 9/8/25 | 9/15/25 |
| Sexual assault evidence collection kits | 9/12/25 | 9/15/25 |
Clinical Specimen Testing
| Last day to submit specimens to 50 Orms St. | First day to submit specimens to 150 Richmond St. |
| 9/12/25 | 9/15/25 |