A: You need to have a DSHS submitter account to submit specimens to the Laboratory. New submitters can set up an account by completing the required fields in a DSHS Lab Submitter Identification (ID) Number Request Form; available here. Email the completed form to labinfo@dshs.texas.gov or fax it to 512-776-7533. 

Once a facility’s information is verified, a Laboratory Reporting team member creates a submitter ID account and emails a submitter ID number, a supply order form, and Remote Data System use forms to the facility’s point of contact. Allow 24–48 hours for account set up.

A: If your contact information with the Laboratory is outdated, you can update it by submitting a completed Submitter Identification (ID) Number Request Form and sending it to the Laboratory Reporting group at  labinfo@dshs.texas.gov or fax it to 512-776-7533.

Laboratory employees cannot update or change submitter contact information in the Lab’s data management and reporting systems. All changes/updates must be initiated by the submitter.

A: Duplicate specimens are specimens that are taken from the same site on the same patient within a 6-month period. Duplicate clinical and isolate specimens may be received but not be tested by the WGS laboratory due to CDC and epidemiological surveillance requirements.

• Specimens received that are determined to be duplicates will not be sequenced and submitter will not receive a results report. 
• Exceptions include specimens obtained from different sources on the same patient.
• Please email the Genetic Sequencing Branch at wgs.dshs@dshs.texas.gov, or call (512) 776-6614.