This main task of this RIVM laboratory is to establish which pathogen (bacterium, virus or parasite) is responsible for unusual infectious diseases. It does so in the interests of good patient care and at the request of medical doctors. RIVM monitors bacterial and viral strains as part of its evaluation of outbreaks. The Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Perinatal Screening also fields questions relating to in vivo microbiology, and develops rapid diagnostic tests for micro-organisms further to possible bio-terrorism. It also plays a key part in the national screening programmes for expectant mothers and newborn children, helping to coordinate those programmes.

Tasks
The Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Perinatal Screening: 

• performs patient-specific and epidemiological testing in bacteriology, virology, parasitology and mycology 
• undertakes surveillance of antibiotic resistance, including molecular epidemiology 
• evaluates the efficacy of the National Vaccination Programme 
• performs immuno-status testing for pathogens included in the National Vaccination Programme 
• monitors pathogen populations 
• performs laboratory research further to the current and planned national screening programmes for expectant mothers and newborn children 

• undertakes in vivo screening and diagnostic research.

Clients and partners
The laboratory is currently working alongside every university and major health research institute in the Netherlands on at least one project. It also maintains close links with the World Health Organization, the European Union and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The laboratory's principal clients are the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and the Health Care Inspectorate (IGZ).