This document summarizes the diagnostic tools and capabilities available at the European Community Reference Laboratory for Crustacean Diseases. It outlines the main diagnostic techniques used such as histology, electron microscopy, molecular diagnostics and antibodies. It also describes the laboratory's accreditation for specific diagnostic methods and its biosecure facilities. Experimental challenge studies are discussed as a tool for determining species susceptibility, using an example of testing European crustaceans for susceptibility to WSSV. The document concludes with an overview of current research areas.