The Institute has a laboratory network comprises 26 centers Diagnosis Livestock, 14 farming, a system of reference laboratories and a laboratory Biosafety Level 3A, as a basis for diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance for the prevention, control and eradication pests and diseases in crops and animals.

This network of laboratories provides its services through the implementation of the main principles of efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.

For this, the ICA in its ongoing efforts to increase coverage and improve the quality of services, mainly in the analysis, analytical techniques, diagnostic activities, verification of the quality of inputs and quarantine treatments in their networks of laboratories, has Subgerencia the Analysis and Diagnosis is also responsible for establishing and developing policies, plans, programs, projects, measures and procedures aimed at the development of protocols in this area to meet the objectives of the Institute.

In the laboratories of the ICA is identified, characterized and confirmed the presence of pathogens and pollutants in agricultural production in the country and manages the services provided by reference laboratories and the public health and animal control inputs necessary for production, marketing, import and export.

In coordination with the Deputy Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations, the Sub-Analysis and Diagnosis projected scientific standards, technical and administrative provisions applicable to the strengthening of the national network of laboratories, biosecurity measures to ensure the safe handling of samples and the management plan for waste, quality standards, requirements for reference laboratories and the network parameters and other auditing standards that are applicable.
 

In a timely manner, the Sub supplied to other units of the ICA, both the animal and plant information for the diagnostic service to be incorporated into the information system and epidemiological surveillance.

Among other functions of the Sub is to propose, support and promote scientific research of interest in the agricultural sector. Keep up to date protocols and analytical techniques in accordance with best practice and meet the needs of health care and plant health in the country. 

It also coordinates the operation of laboratories led by ICA and its activities to the national accreditation and international levels in each of its tests; regulated with reference laboratories, the guidelines should provide to the other network laboratories, necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Institute. Maintains the network of laboratories coordinated with other international enabling improved services.

Supports the development of diagnostic techniques to other Subgerencia, and other entities of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Establishing a system of accreditation, authorization, delegation and cooperation to take the Institute to increase coverage, improve the timeliness and effectiveness of protection and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations for specific evidence that the Institute considers relevant.
 

Coordinate the development of the audit, or hire them when appropriate, provided they have accredited laboratories.