The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is the largest diagnostic pathology service in South Africa, with the responsibility of supporting the national and provincial health departments in the delivery of healthcare.

The NHLS provides laboratory and related public health services to over 80% of the population through a national network of laboratories.

Our specialised institutes include the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), and the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP), as our subsidiary.

The NHLS has laboratories in all nine provinces, employing approximately 7142 people. Its activities comprise of Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Research, Teaching and Training, and Production of Sera for Anti-Snake Venom, Reagents and Media.