Laboratory Services Section

Providing comprehensive public health laboratory services

Vision: A healthy Texas

Mission: Improve health and well-being in Texas

CLIA/CAP Certificates

DSHS Laboratory Rules:
Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 73

Zika Testing Notification

Notice to all submitters requesting Zika virus testing. Please use the most recent version of the G-2V form (July 2016) for requesting all Zika virus testing and check the box for “Zika, Dengue, and/or Chikungunya”. If you submit the G-2A form or the old G-2V form marked with Zika serology only or Zika PCR only respectively, the test performed by the laboratory will be determined using the most current CDC guidelines for testing and epidemiological information.

For Payor Source (Section 6 of the G-2V):

• Do NOT check a DSHS program as a Payor Source if the patient has Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance; the submitter should provide all insurance information.
• FOR ZIKA-RELATED TESTING REQUESTS ONLY: please mark “Zoonosis” as the Payor Source IF THE PATIENT DOES NOT HAVE Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.

For the most recent information regarding specimen types, specimen collection, and specimen shipping and instructions on how to complete the payor information on the G-2V form, please see specimen collection protocol located at http://www.texaszika.org/docs/DSHS-Chik-Den-Zika-Serology-and-PCR-specimens.pdf.

To request a submitter ID number please complete the Submitter Identification (ID) Number Request Form and follow the instructions for submitting the form.

Change in Laboratory Testing Acceptance Criteria – Specimen Labeling Must Include Two Patient Identifiers

Effective September 1, 2016, all specimens must be labeled with at least two patient specific identifiers; both a primary and a secondary identifier. The identifiers must appear on both the primary container (or card) and the associated submission form. Please see the specimen acceptance criteria update letter for additional details and acceptable patient identifiers.

Submit Zika Specimens Directly to DSHS Laboratory – not CDC

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Fort Collins has requested that specimens for the detection of Zika virus by real time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) be submitted to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory in Austin, TX.

Effective immediately, do not ship specimens for rRT-PCR directly to CDC. All specimens for Zika virus should first be submitted to the DSHS Laboratory or an approved Local Health Department Laboratory performing rRT-PCR in Texas. Specimens sent directly to CDC will be forwarded to the DSHS Laboratory resulting in further delay of testing.

For information regarding submission to the DSHS Laboratory, please see specimen collection protocol located at http://www.texaszika.org/docs/DSHS-Chik-Den-Zika-Serology-and-PCR-specimens.pdf. Note: Serum is required for this testing. Please contact your Local Health Department or DSHS Health Services Region prior to shipping to ensure patient meets criteria for testing.

For additional information related to the Zika virus, go to www.texaszika.org.

Visit the About Our State Health Laboratory page to learn more about the Laboratory Services Section and its services.