The Minnesota Laboratory System (MLS) is a statewide, voluntary network established by the Minnesota Department of Health - Public Health Laboratory to facilitate inter-laboratory communication, collaboration, and cooperation. Its members include public health and private clinical laboratories, as well as veterinary and agriculture laboratories, which serve Minnesota residents. A vital component of this system is electronic connectivity (fax and email) among all the members. In addition to providing a laboratory network essential for statewide emergency preparedness and response, the MLS also plays a key role in detecting and investigating common and emerging infectious disease outbreaks, monitoring trends in antibiotic resistance, providing continuing education and training, establishing safe transport of specimens, and assuring quality laboratory practice.