Thanksgiving Holiday Closure Notices

The Texas DSHS Laboratory in Austin will be closed:

11/23/2017 - Thursday
11/24/2017 – Friday

Newborn Screening (NBS)

Testing Notices:

• NBS specimens received and accessioned on Wednesday, 11/22/2017 will be tested immediately by the NBS laboratory.
• Healthcare providers may be notified of critical level preliminary presumptive positive results on Thursday, 11/23/2017 (Thanksgiving Day).
• NBS testing will resume on Saturday, 11/25/2017.
• Healthcare providers may be notified of critical level preliminary presumptive positive results on Sunday, 11/26/2017.

Healthcare Provider Reminders:

• DO NOT delay collection or shipment of newborn screening specimens.
• Ship dried specimens within 24 hours. If mail or courier services are unavailable, ship as quickly as possible.

Clinical Chemistry

Testing Notices:

• The Clinical Chemistry laboratory must receive specimen submissions for total hemoglobin, lead, glucose, lipid/cholesterol and creatinine testing by Wednesday, 11/22/2017 to complete testing prior to the holiday.
• DO NOT ship cholesterol, lipid profile, glucose, or creatinine specimens on Fridays or on the day before a state-observed holiday. 

Healthcare Provider Reminders:

• Specimens submitted for lead and total hemoglobin testing must be received within 14 days of collection.
• Specimens submitted for glucose, lipid/cholesterol and creatinine testing must be received according to specimen submission guidelines available at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/mrs_labtests_toc.shtm

Microbiology

Testing Notices:

• Specimens for rabies testing should be shipped via Greyhound Bus.  Specimens received between 8 AM and noon on Wednesday, 11/22/2017 will be tested Friday, 11/24/2017 and positive results will be called out before noon.  Emergency testing will be available on Friday, 11/24/2017 and Saturday, 11/25/2017 by arrangement with laboratory personnel (512-776-7595) if specimen receipt can be guaranteed.   Negative specimen results will be available Monday, 11/27/2017.  All other specimens will be tested on Monday, 11/27/2017 and reported before 5 PM.

Healthcare Provider Reminders:

• Viral Isolation Laboratory:  Do not ship specimens Wednesday, 11/22/2017 – Sunday, 11/26/2017.  If specimens are collected during this time period, please store at -70°C or below and ship specimens the following week, beginning Monday, 11/27/2017 on dry ice.
• Mycobacteriology/Mycology Laboratory (TB): To receive expedited AFB Smear and/or NAAfor M. tuberculosistest results before the holiday, please ensure that specimens are delivered to the laboratory by 8:30 AM on Wednesday, 11/22/2017. Please telephone expedited test requests to 512-776-7342.

Posted Nov. 13, 2017