Laboratory Surveillance(2006)

Laboratory Surveillance(2006)

The enterovirus outbreak in 1998 revealed a need to improve both the quality and quantity of virology laboratories in Taiwan. Beginning in March 1999, the Department of Health contracted several viral infection diagnostic laboratories across the nation. In addition to subsidizing the expenses of these laboratories, the DOH also worked to improve viral testing capabilities and employee training. Currently these contracted laboratories play an important role in the containment of viral infectious diseases in Northern, Central, Southern, and Eastern Taiwan. The Enterovirus and Influenza Laboratory Active Surveillance System, consisting of the contracted laboratories and neighboring specimen-collecting stations, efficiently provides high-quality diagnostic services to the general public. In addition to solidifying the central and local testing virus classification system, increasing infectious disease diagnostic efficiency, preventing the spread of infectious diseases and facilitating control of epidemics, the surveillance system enables understanding of the activities of different viruses, particularly with respect to their seasonal and regional preferences. This information is of great value, as it permits timely alert of infectious diseases and enables formation of constructive infectious disease prevention policies. Furthermore, valuable local genetic databases and biomaterial databases for viruses can be established for Taiwan.