The DSHS Laboratory website contains a wealth of information about the types of testing the Laboratory offers and how to successfully collect and submit the required specimens. That information is categorized and presented in the links below.

If you don't find what you are looking for here, the Laboratory Search Page may help. 

LabGuide Tutorials
Links to interactive tutorials on Submitting Rabies Specimens to the DSHS Laboratory, THSteps Fingerstick Blood Specimen Collection, THSteps Venipuncture Blood Specimen Collection, and Packaging and Shipment of Blood Tubes. The tutorials are also available in PDF format.  

Arbovirus Surveillance Techniques
Mosquito specimen collection, handling, and shipment.

Bacteriology Collection, Transport, and Storage Guidelines
Guidelines for bacteriological specimen collection and submission.

Clinical Bacteriology Tests
Types of organisms tested, submission guidelines, and test information.  

Consumer Microbiology
Includes Frequently Asked Questions for water, milk, and food testing.

Consumer Microbiology Forms and Available Tests
Testing methods for water, milk, and food; water test form.

Consumer Microbiology Specimen Collection & Handling
Collection and handling information for water, milk, and food specimens.

From the Laboratory Testing Services Manual:

• Guidelines for Specimen Shipping and Mailing
• Guidelines for Labeling Specimens

Laboratory Tests for Diseases/Agents:

• Biochemistry and Genetics Tests
• Environmental Tests
• Microbiology Tests

See also:

• Fecal specimens for bacteriological culturing
• Fecal specimens for intestinal parasites
• Fecal specimens for viral isolation 
• Rabies specimens
• Serological Testing
• Specimen management for infrequently encountered organisms
• Sputum

Molecular and Serological Analysis Group Tests
This page lists the tests performed by the Diagnostic Serology Team. There are links to descriptions of the diseases, as well as links to descriptions of the assays used.

Molecular Biology Tests
The Molecular Biology Team utilizes PCR-based procedures, PFGE, and serological techniques to identify a variety of human and animal pathogens. There is a link to a list of specimen types and descriptions of the methods used.

Mycobacteriology Guidelines for Specimen Collection, Transport, Storage, and Submission
Types of specimens tested, collection, transportation, and storage guidelines from Mycobacteriology.

From the DSHS Newborn Screening Program:

• Newborn Screening specimen collection requirements
• Newborn Screening specimen collection and handling

Rabies Testing
Rabies specimen delivery, submission, shipping, and handling guidelines. Test turnaround time, reporting and interpretation of results, emergency testing, Link to Rabies Submission Form.

Texas Health Steps specimen collection and handling
Suggestions and tips for the collection of whole blood specimens.

Viral Testing
Testing methods; specimen selection, collection, transport, and handling from the Viral Isolation Team.

Viral Specimen Collection by Type of Specimen

Viral Specimen Selection Based on Clinical Symptoms