§ 501. State laboratories; approved laboratories; powers and duties of
commissioner. 1. The commissioner shall have authority:

(a) to make, at the expense of the state, examinations and analyses,
at the request of any health officer or of any physician in accordance
with the provisions of this article;

(b) to enter into contracts with laboratories in localities accessible
to the various portions of the state for the prompt examination of
specimens received from local health officers or physicians and for the
immediate report thereon, at the expense of the state; provided that all
such laboratories shall conform to the standards of efficiency
established by the public health council, and that no obligation shall
be incurred by the commissioner in excess of the sums available
therefor.