Microbiological Sciences Branch Notices

Sign up for e-mail updates

DSHS TB/HIV/STD Section to Move Starting May 18


The DSHS TB/HIV/STD Section will move to a new physical location between May 18 and May 29, 2020. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the physical work location of most staff will not change until those precautions are modified. However, phone numbers, fax numbers, and the delivery address will change in stages:

May 18: The main section phone number will change to 737-255-4300. Some section fax machines and staff phone numbers will change. The physical delivery address will change to 201 West Howard Lane, Austin, Texas 78753. The mailing address will not change (DSHS TB/HIV/STD Section, Post Office Box 149347, MC 1873, Austin, Texas 78714). Please do not send deliveries to the new physical address until the location is staffed.

May 22: Fax and phone numbers for the HIV/STD Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch will change.

May 29: Fax and phone numbers for the Texas HIV Medication Program and Tuberculosis and Hansen's Disease Branch will change.

Unchanged by the move: Section staff email addresses. Section web addresses. The Texas HIV Medication Program 1-800 number.

Stakeholders will be informed of the changed phone and fax information directly by DSHS staff. To learn more, contact Section staff, call the current Section phone number 512-533-3000, or email the section.  

Posted May 06, 2020

Notice regarding COVID-19 testing at the DSHS Austin Laboratory

As of Monday, April 13, 2020, the Texas DSHS Austin Laboratory will begin utilizing the PerkinElmer New Coronavirus Nucleic Acid Detection Kit and chemagic extraction platform to expand capacity for COVID-19 testing.  The CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel will continue to be available until current supply resources are exhausted.

  • Acceptable specimens include:

o   Nasopharyngeal (NP) or oropharyngeal (OP) swabs, combined NP/OP swabs, and nasal swabs in Viral Transport Media (VTM), Universal Transport Media (UTM), liquid Amies media, and sterile saline.

****Please continue to use the COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions for specimen collection, handling, and shipping guidance.****

ALL specimens for COVID-19 testing require preapproval.   Contact your Local Health Department or DSHS Public Health Region (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regions/2019-nCoV-Local-Health-Entities/) to ensure patient meets Patient Under Investigation (PUI) criteria for testing and to obtain DSHS approval to test. Specimens MUST meet DSHS PUI criteria prior to shipping and WILL NOT be tested without prior approval.  Please DO NOT ship specimens prior to receiving this approval.

For additional information and ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 situation, please go to:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ 

Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov

DSHS COVID‑19 Call Center:  2-1-1 Option 6 
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday – Friday  

Posted April 6, 2020

Notice regarding testing and submission of specimens for COVID-19 testing to the DSHS Austin Laboratory

 

As of April 6, 2020, the Texas DSHS Laboratory has made the following changes regarding acceptable specimens for COVID-19 testing. 

1.  The DSHS Interim COVID-19 Case Report Form (found at htps://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/public-health.aspx) is no longer required with sample submission.

 

For further details, please see the COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions located on the DSHS Laboratory website

PUI ID is no longer required.  However, ALL specimens for COVID-19 testing require preapproval.   Contact your Local Health Department or DSHS Public Health Region (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regions/2019-nCoV-Local-Health-Entities/) to ensure patient meets Patient Under Investigation (PUI) criteria for testing and to obtain DSHS approval to test. Specimens MUST meet DSHS PUI criteria prior to shipping and WILL NOT be tested without prior approval.  Please DO NOT ship specimens prior to receiving this approval.

For additional information and ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 situation, please go to:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/  

Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov  

DSHS COVID‑19 Call Center:  2-1-1 Option 6 
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday – Friday 

Posted April 6, 2020

Notice regarding the impacts of COVID-19 response to the DSHS Austin Laboratory


Due to ongoing DSHS Laboratory COVID-19 response efforts, the following microbiological testing areas may experience delays in laboratory results reporting, effective April 1, 2020:

Fungal isolate identification*

Parasitology identification*

Influenza surveillance testing

Mosquito surveillance testing

Gonorrhea/Chlamydia/Hepatitis C specimen testing

*Specimens for Candida auris testing and for malaria testing will not be affected and will follow regular testing schedules. 

In addition, testing for foodborne outbreak investigations, including whole genome sequencing, for Listeria will continue but testing for Salmonella, Escherichia coli and other foodborne bacteria will be upon epidemiologist request only. 


An updated notification will be issued when routine laboratory testing resumes.

For additional information and ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 situation, please go to:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ 

Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov 

DSHS COVID‑19 Call Center: 1-877-570-9779 
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday 

Posted April 2, 2020

Notice regarding testing and submission of specimens for COVID-19 testing to the DSHS Austin Laboratory


As of April 1, 2020, the Texas DSHS Laboratory has made the following changes regarding acceptable specimens for COVID-19 testing. 

1.   The recommended specimen type is still a Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab (Dacron-tipped with a plastic or aluminum shaft) in viral transport media (VTM). If VTM is unavailable Universal Transport Media (UTM), Amies, or 0.85% Saline may be substituted.

2.   Nasal swabs and nasal mid-turbinate (NMT) swabs are now acceptable.  Oropharyngeal (OP) swabs are still an acceptable specimen type.

**Please continue to send a single specimen.  If multiple specimens are received, only 1 swab will be tested in an effort to maximize resources.**

3.   The DSHS Interim COVID-19 Case Report Form (found at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/public-health.aspx) must be included with each sample submission.

For further details, please see the “Specimen Types” and “Specimen Collection and Handling” Sections of the COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions located on the DSHS Laboratory website

PUI ID is no longer required.  However, ALL specimens for COVID-19 testing require preapproval.   Contact your Local Health Department or DSHS Public Health Region (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regions/2019-nCoV-Local-Health-Entities/) to ensure patient meets Patient Under Investigation (PUI) criteria for testing and to obtain DSHS approval to test. Specimens MUST meet DSHS PUI criteria prior to shipping and WILL NOT be tested without prior approval.  Please DO NOT ship specimens prior to receiving this approval.

For additional information and ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 situation, please go to:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ 

Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov

DSHS COVID‑19 Call Center:  2-1-1 Option 6 
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday – Friday 

Posted April 1, 2020

ATTENTION  BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER CUSTOMERS

Public Water Systems and Private

Effective March 30, 2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, the hours and times for bacteriological water receipt will change to the following starting on March, 30, 2020.

Water samples accepted Monday – Thursday 8am – 2pm (Except Federal Holidays).

An updated notification will be sent when we resume to our regular schedule of Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm (Except Federal Holidays).

For questions or comments:

Call toll free: 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7598 or for local calls 512-776-7598

Posted March 26, 2020

Notice regarding testing and submission of specimens for COVID-19 testing to the DSHS Austin Laboratory

 

As of March 20, 2020, the Texas DSHS Laboratory has made the following changes to the COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions located on the DSHS Laboratory website. 

1.This document applies only to the DSHS Austin Laboratory.  For information regarding submission to other Public Health Laboratories in Texas, contact your local health department.

2.   We recommend sending only a single Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM.  Please see additional language under the section, “Specimen Types”.

3.   A sample G-2V submission has been added to clarify instructions to fill out the form.  Sample G-2V.pdf

ALL specimens for COVID-19 testing require preapproval.   Contact your Local Health Department or DSHS Public Health Region (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regions/2019-nCoV-Local-Health-Entities/) to ensure patient meets Patient Under Investigation (PUI) criteria for testing and to obtain DSHS approval to test. Specimens MUST meet DSHS PUI criteria and have a state specific PUI identification number for testing prior to shipping and WILL NOT be tested without prior approval.  Please DO NOT ship specimens prior to receiving this approval.

For additional information and ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 situation, please go to:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ 

Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov

DSHS COVID‑19 Call Center: 1-877-570-9779
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday 

Posted March 20, 2020

Notice regarding testing and submission of specimens for COVID-19 testing

 

As of March 5, 2020, the Texas DSHS Laboratory is accepting specimens per the criteria outlined in the COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions document found at COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions

ALL specimens for 2019 nCoV testing require preapproval.   Contact your Local Health Department or DSHS Public Health Region (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regions/2019-nCoV-Local-Health-Entities/) to ensure patient meets Person Under Investigation (PUI) criteria for testing and to obtain DSHS approval to test. Specimens MUST meet PUI criteria and have a state specific PUI identification number for testing prior to shipping and WILL NOT be tested without prior approval.  Please DO NOT ship specimens prior to receiving this approval.

For additional information and ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 situation, please go to:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ 

Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov

DSHS COVID‑19 Call Center: 1-877-570-9779 Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday

Posted March 5, 2020

Notice regarding testing and submission of specimens for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) testing

 

ALL specimens for 2019 nCoV testing require preapproval.   Contact your Local Health Department or DSHS Public Health Region (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regions/2019-nCoV-Local-Health-Entities/) to ensure patient meets Patient Under Investigation (PUI) criteria for testing and to obtain DSHS approval to test. Specimens MUST meet PUI criteria for testing prior to shipping and WILL NOT be tested without prior approval.  Please DO NOT ship specimens prior to receiving this approval.

Posted February 10, 2020

Additional drug susceptibility test result on Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex reports


In January 2020, the Austin DSHS Laboratory will report ofloxacin drug susceptibility results on M. tuberculosis complex reports in addition to the primary drug panel that consists of Rifampin, Isoniazid @ 0.2 µg/ml, Isoniazid @ 1.0 µg/ml, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol.

Ofloxacin is an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolones drug class that, in the treatment for tuberculosis (TB), is considered a second-line medication. While not first-line therapy, fluoroquinolones are often recommended for complicated tuberculosis, including drug resistant TB, which is the reason for adding this drug susceptibility results to the report. For guidance regarding the use of fluoroquinolones or other second-line treatment drugs, please consult with a DSHS-Recognized Medical TB Consultant (https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/tb/consultants/), or contact the TB and Hansen’s Disease Branch at 512-533-3000.

For pricing, please refer to the Laboratory Fee Schedule: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/lab/fees.shtm  

Posted December 27, 2019

Serological Screening for Syphilis is expanding to Include Detection of Treponemal-Specific IgM


Effective December 11, 2019, the DSHS Serology Laboratory changed the Syphilis Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) method from a test that can only detect IgG to a test that detects both IgG and IgM. The additional capability of IgM detection can potentially lead to earlier detection of primary syphilis. Results, as before, are qualitative, and will be reported as:

  • Nonreactive,
  • Equivocal, or
  • Reactive.

This assay does not distinguish between detection of IgM and/or IgG.

Syphilis screening at DSHS follows the reverse algorithm in which serum specimens are screened using a treponemal-specific EIA. Specimens with a positive Syphilis EIA will be confirmed using the non-treponemal Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test.  

Questions should be directed to the Serology Team at 512-776-7657 or the Serology Manager at 512-776-7760.

Posted December 16, 2019

Sending Duplicate Patient Samples to Texas DSHS Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory


Due to laboratory capacity and resources, Texas DSHS Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Laboratory recommends only sending one sample of the same organism per patient.

Additional patient samples may be sent if:

1.    A different carbapenem resistant organism is isolated from the same patient.

2.    The initial carbapenem resistant organism susceptibility results have changed.

3.    Six months has lapsed since the initial sample was tested at the Texas DSHS AR Laboratory.


For any questions about Texas DSHS AR Laboratory please email TexasARLN@dshs.texas.gov

Posted December 16, 2019

Laboratory Christmas and New Year Holiday Closure Reminders

 

Newborn Screening Laboratory (NBS)

Christmas Holiday Closed Dates: Dec. 25 – Dec. 26

  • The NBS Laboratory will test specimens received and accessioned on Dec. 24.
  • Healthcare providers may be notified of critical level preliminary presumptive positive results on Dec. 25.
  • NBS testing will resume on Dec. 27.

New Year’s Holiday Closed Date: Jan. 1

  • The NBS Laboratory will test specimens received and accessioned on Dec. 31.
  • NBS testing will resume on Jan. 2.

Reminders:

  • DO NOT delay collection or shipment of NBS specimens.
  • Specimens must be dried prior to shipment and should arrive at the DSHS Laboratory within 24 hours after collection or as soon as possible. If mail or courier services are unavailable, ship as quickly as possible.

 

Clinical Chemistry Laboratory

Christmas Holiday Closed Dates: Dec. 24 – Dec. 26

  • Total hemoglobin, lead, glucose, lipid, cholesterol, and creatinine specimens must be received by Dec. 23 to complete testing before the Christmas holiday.
  • DO NOT ship cholesterol, lipid panel, glucose, or creatinine specimens Dec. 23 – Dec. 27.

New Year’s Holiday Closed Date: Jan. 1

  • Total hemoglobin, lead, glucose, lipid, cholesterol, and creatinine specimens must be received by Dec. 31 to complete testing before the New Year’s holiday.
  • DO NOT ship cholesterol, lipid panel, glucose, or creatinine specimens on Dec. 31.

Reminders:

  • Lead and total hemoglobin specimens must be received within 14 days of collection.

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/lab/MRS_labtests_toc.shtm

 

Microbiology Testing Notices

Christmas Holiday Closed Dates: Dec. 24 – Dec. 26

New Year’s Holiday Closed Date: Jan. 1

Rabies Laboratory

  • Shipping by Greyhound Bus is highly recommended during weekends and holidays.

Christmas

  • Rabies specimens received by 8 a.m. on Dec. 23 will be tested.
    • Positive results will be called out before 5 p.m.
  • Specimens received between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 23, will be tested on Dec. 24.
    •  Positive results will be called out by noon.
    •  Negative results will be available on Dec. 27.
  • Specimens received after 3 p.m. on Dec. 23 through 8 a.m. Dec. 27 will be tested Dec. 27.
    • Results will be called out before 5 p.m.
  • Specimens received after 8 a.m. Dec. 27, and all specimens that arrive over the weekend will be tested Dec. 30.
    • Results will be called out before 5 p.m.

New Years

  • Specimens received between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 31 will be tested on Jan. 1.
    • Positive results will be called out by noon.
    • Negative results will be available on Jan. 2.
  • Specimens received after 3 p.m. on Dec. 31 and before 8 a.m. on Jan. 2 will be tested on Jan. 2.
    • Results will be called out before 5 p.m.
  • Emergency testing is available on Dec. 24, Dec. 26, Dec. 28 and Jan. 2 by arrangement with laboratory personnel (512-776-7595).
    • Specimen receipt must be guaranteed by 8 a.m. on the day of testing.

Viral Isolation Laboratory 

  • DO NOT ship specimens for delivery Dec. 24 through Dec. 26. 
    • Store specimens collected during this time at -70°C or below.
    • Ship specimens on dry ice for delivery on Dec. 27.
  • DO NOT ship specimens for delivery Dec. 31 through Jan. 1. 
    • Store specimens collected during this time at -70°C or below.
    • Ship specimens on dry ice for delivery on Jan. 2.

Mycobacteriology/Mycology Laboratory

  • To receive expedited AFB Smear and NAA for M. tuberculosis test results before the Christmas holiday:
    • Ensure specimens are delivered to the laboratory by 8 a.m. on Dec. 23.
    • For expedited test requests call 512-776-7342.
  • DO NOT ship specimens Dec. 23 through Dec. 25.
    • Store collected specimens in the refrigerator and ship for delivery on Dec. 27. 
  • DO NOT ship specimens to be delivered on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1. 
    • Store collected specimens in refrigerator and ship for delivery on Jan. 2.

Serology Laboratory

  • DO NOT ship specimens Dec. 23 through Dec. 25.
    • Serum should be separated from the clot and frozen.
    • Ship with sufficient dry ice to keep serum frozen for delivery on Dec. 27. 
  • DO NOT ship specimens to be delivered on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1. 
    • Serum should be separated from the clot and frozen.
    • Ship with sufficient dry ice to keep serum frozen for delivery on Jan. 2.

Advanced Molecular Microbiology Laboratory

  • DO NOT ship specimens for CPO colonization testing to be received the following dates:
    • Dec. 23 through Dec. 27
    • Dec. 31 through Jan. 1
  • DO NOT ship specimens for other bacteria testing to be received the following dates:
    • Dec. 24 through Dec. 26
    • Dec. 31 through Jan. 1

Bacteriology Water Samples

  • Water samples will not be accepted the following dates:
    • Dec. 23 through Dec. 27
    • Dec. 31 through Jan. 1

Supply Order Requests

  • Priority overnight shipping requests received on or before Dec. 20 will be processed as normal.
  • Requests received by noon on Dec. 23 will be sent FedEx Ground.
  • Requests received after noon on Dec. 23 through Dec. 26 will be processed on Dec. 27.
  • Requests received on Dec. 27 will be processed Dec. 30. 

Contact the Texas DSHS Laboratory:

Call toll free: 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7318 or for local calls 512-776-7318

Email: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov

Posted November 1, 2019

Result Report Delay Notice

Beginning November 12, 2019, the DSHS Laboratory has delayed reporting of results for a small subset of newborn screening specimens due to testing instrument issues.

All previously reported results are considered accurate and not affected by this issue.

Mitigating steps have been completed and all delayed results are expected by November 22.

What specimens are affected?

Specimens received at the laboratory on or after November 8, 2019, which required additional second tier testing for X-ALD only. This was approximately three percent of specimens received or ~ 600 blood spots.

How does this impact newborn screening test results?

  • Testing for all other newborn screening disorders has not been delayed.
  • Clinical Care Coordination staff have continued to contact providers for all out of range results as soon as testing has been completed.
  • Clinical Care Coordination staff will contact providers about out of range X-ALD results upon completion of testing.

What action should healthcare submitters take?

  • Ensure receipt of a final report for all results.
  • Read all screening result notes and follow recommendations.
  • Follow instructions from clinical care coordination nurses on ALL abnormal newborn screening results.

Questions?

1-888-963-7111 ext. 7333 or for local calls 512-776-7333

NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.state.tx.us

Posted December 12, 2019




DSHS Austin Laboratory Thanksgiving Holiday Closure Reminders

Newborn Screening (NBS)

Testing Notices:

  • NBS specimens received and accessioned on Wednesday, 11/27/2019 will be tested immediately by the NBS laboratory.
  • Healthcare providers may be notified of critical level preliminary presumptive positive results on Thursday, 11/28/2019 (Thanksgiving Day).
  • NBS testing will resume on Saturday, 11/30/2019.
  • Healthcare providers may be notified of critical level preliminary presumptive positive results on Sunday, 12/1/2019.

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 soon as possible.

Clinical Chemistry

Testing Notices:

  • Total hemoglobin, lead, glucose, lipid/cholesterol and creatinine specimens must be received by Wednesday, 11/27/2019 to complete testing before 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:

Microbiology

  • Rabies:
    • Ship rabies specimens via Greyhound Bus.  Specimens received between 8 AM and noon on Wednesday, 11/27/2019 will be tested Friday, 11/29/2019.
    • Positive results will be called out before noon Friday, 11/29/2019. 
    • Emergency testing is available on Friday, 11/29/2019 and Saturday, 11/30/2019 by arrangement with laboratory personnel (512-776-7595). Specimen receipt must be guaranteed.
    • All other specimens will be tested on Monday, 12/2/2019 and reported before 5 PM.
  • Viral Isolation Laboratory:
    • Do not ship specimens Wednesday, 11/27/2019 – Sunday, 12/1/2019.  Store specimens collected during this time at -70°C or below.
    • Ship specimens on dry ice the week of 12/2/2019.
  • Mycobacteriology/Mycology Laboratory (TB):
    • Ensure critical AFB Smear and NAA for M. tuberculosis specimens are delivered to the laboratory by 8:30 AM on Wednesday, 11/27/2019.  
    • Call 512-776-7342 for expedited test requests before 9 AM on Wednesday, 11/27/2019.
    • Do not ship specimens Wednesday, 11/27/2019 to Friday, 11/29/2019.  Keep specimens in refrigerated storage until shipment.
    • Specimens will not be tested from Thursday, 11/28/2019 to Sunday, 12/1/2019.

Bacteriology Water Samples

  • Water samples will not be accepted the following dates:
    • November 27, 2019 - December 1, 2019
    • December 23, 2019 - December 27, 2019
    • December 31, 2019 - January 1, 2020

Supply Order Requests

  • Priority overnight shipping requests received on 11/26/2019 will be issued and sent as normal.
  • All other requests received by noon on 11/26/2019 will be sent FedEx Ground.
  • Requests received after noon on 11/26/2019 through 12/1 will be sent Monday, 12/2/2019.

Questions?

1-888-963-7111 ext. 7318 or locally 512-776-7318

Main Email: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov

NBS Email: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov

Clinical Chemistry Email: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov

Container Preparation: ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov

Posted November 04, 2019


Urgent Notice - Results-Web Portal is Not Available

DSHS Laboratory Results - Web Portal application for Public Health Microbiology and Clinical Chemistry results is currently unavailable due to unexpected technical difficulties. 

Starting 10/24/19, all submitters receiving results by Results Web Portal only, will have reports sent by US Mail to the address on record. 

To expedite receipt of laboratory reports via fax:

The DSHS Laboratory apologizes for any inconvenience this shutdown may have caused. We are actively working on finding a solution or a replacement web application.

For questions or missing reports:

Email LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov  

Call 512-776-7578

Posted Oct 29, 2019


Changes to the Texas DSHS Laboratory Fee Schedule

Including a fee increase to the NBS test

   

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory Services Section (LSS) is in the process of revising laboratory testing and fees for laboratory services to meet business needs.  These revisions are proposed to take effect January 1, 2020. Stakeholders can submit comments until December 30, 2019 at LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov or by mail at:  Laboratory Services Section, Attn. Fee Schedule Changes, PO Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347.  

 

Increase of Fees Due to Inflation:

The broadest change to the Austin and South Texas DHS Laboratory fee schedules would include the addition of 3% inflation to testing fees that have not been updated in the past year.  DSHS’ inflation-related increases would mirror medical inflation which is calculated by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Laboratory Services Section would adopt inflation-related increases to offset increased testing costs, such as laboratory supplies and various procedural/ technological changes that allow Texas to keep pace with public health lab testing standards.

 

There will be a fee increase to the NBS test:

Effective January 1, 2020, the new cost of PAID newborn screening (NBS) kits will be raised to $60.58 due to the addition of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) to the test panel.  PAID NBS kits ordered on or after January 1, 2020 will be billed at the new price of $60.58.

 

Other fee schedule changes:

Visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/lab/Fees/90-day-notice---Jan-2020-Fee-Schedule-Notice---full-letter-for-website.pdf to view all proposed fee schedule changes, including:

  • fee changes to existing tests,
  • changes to test names to more accurately reflect the actual test procedure,
  • new tests added, and
  • existing tests discontinued.

 

The new fee schedules will be posted to the DSHS Laboratory website by January 1, 2020.  To view the current Austin and South Texas DSHS Laboratory fee schedules, please use the following link: http://www.dshs.texas.gov/lab/fees.shtm

 

DSHS Laboratory Forms:

As with previous fee revisions, the laboratory submission forms will also be revised.  Revised submission forms will be provided to you no later than December 31, 2019, and they may be used beginning January 1, 2020. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Posted October 1, 2019

DSHS Laboratory Now Accepting Pharyngeal and Rectal Swabs for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrheae testing by RNA probe

 

Effective September 9, 2019, the DSHS Serology Laboratory will start accepting pharyngeal and rectal swabs, in addition to urine, vaginal, and endocervical samples, for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrheae testing by RNA probe. The FDA recently cleared Hologic® Aptima Combo 2 to detect these organisms in throat and rectal samples using the Panther system, which has been successfully validated by the DSHS Laboratory.

Rectal and pharyngeal swabs should be collected using the Hologic Aptima Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit. Texas IPP, Texas Health Steps, and DSHS Regional Field Office clinical submitters can request collection kits from the laboratory by submitting a completed G-6C form to the laboratory Container Prep Group per the form’s instructions.

For guidance on acceptable specimen types and collection of specimens for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrheae testing by RNA probe, please click here.

Please contact the DSHS Microbiology Laboratory with any questions you have regarding Chlamydia or Gonorrhea testing at Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov.  

Posted Sept 4, 2019

DSHS Laboratory – Microbiological Sciences Branch Notice


Dear DSHS Laboratory Submitter,


In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, please be advised that effective 7/1/2019 the Texas Department of State Health Services Laboratory no longer performs pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) on the following organisms from clinical specimens or isolates collected from patients:

  • Campylobacter spp.
  • Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Shigella spp.
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Vibrio spp.

Serotyping tests for Salmonella and Shigella species have also been discontinued. This change is being made to address the national shift in molecular subtyping methods of enteric pathogens from PFGE to whole genome sequencing (WGS), as recommended by the CDC. WGS has been shown to provide more reliable cluster analysis for bacteria associated with foodborne disease outbreaks.

Submitters of these specimens will receive a report with organism’s identity or a note thanking them for their submission. Reports may not contain details on the organisms’ serotype or other characteristics.

This change does not affect required isolate submission for diseases specified in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). If you have any questions regarding which organisms are required for submissions, please contact the DSHS foodborne team at FOODBORNETEXAS@dshs.texas.gov or refer to the Texas Notifiable Conditions list, https://dshs.texas.gov/idcu/investigation/conditions/.

Please contact the DSHS Microbiology laboratory with any questions you have regarding submission of organisms or reports at Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov. 

Posted July 22, 2019

Texas Department of State Health Services Laboratory - Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey, Austin TX

Please complete the following survey. Your responses are very important as they help us improve our services.

The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.  Please click “OK” to begin the survey. 

Please complete the survey by March 25, 2019.

If you have questions, contact the DSHS Laboratory at 512-776-7598.

Posted July 19, 2019


Attention Submitters

CHECK EXPIRATION DATES and LABEL PLACEMENT

 

When submitting bacterial isolates on media, please make sure that the expiration date of the media is visible on the plate/slant and expired media is not used.

Specimens plated on expired media will be REJECTED.

Questions / Comments

Call toll free: 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7599 or for local calls 512-776-7599

Email: DSHSLabMicrobiology@dshs.texas.gov

 Posted January 31, 2019

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory Services Section(LSS) is proposing changes to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC).

The purpose of the changes is to repeal rules §73.54 and §73.55 related to the Fee Schedule for Clinical Testing and Newborn Screening, as well as Chemical Analyses, from TAC. Additionally, rule §73.41 will be amended to direct stakeholders to the LSS website to view the most current laboratory fee schedule.

The public comment period ends January 27, 2019.  Additional details, including a full draft of the proposed rule changes may be found here.    https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/policies-rules/health-human-services-rulemaking

Posted January 10, 2019 

Notice  - Rickettsial Serology Testing Available

On December 19, 2018, the DSHS Laboratory will resume serological analysis of serum for IgG antibodies against Rickettsia rickettsia and Rickettsia typhi.  

The most convincing evidence of recent rickettsiae infection of a four-fold rise in titer between the acute serum and the convalescent serum. Serum can be shipped cold (2-8◦C) on ice packs if it will be received within 48 hours from time of collection. Ship frozen (-20°) on dry ice if it will be received more than 48 hours from time of collection. A completed G2-A form should accompany the specimen.

Please direct comments or questions regarding this assay to LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov.

 Posted December 18, 2018

Notice  - Testing Service Interruption for Rickettsial Serology  

In order to perform methodological improvements, the DSHS Laboratory will not be performing serological analysis of serum for IgG antibodies against Rickettsia rickettsia and Rickettsia typhi between Friday, December 7, 2018  and January 4, 2018.  Please direct comments or questions regarding this interruption of testing services to LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov.

Questions? Contact the Texas DSHS Laboratory:

Call toll free: 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7318 or for local calls 512-776-7318
Email: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov

Posted December 6, 2018

Austin Laboratory Christmas and New Year 

Holiday Closure Reminders


Microbiology Testing Notices:

Christmas Holiday Closed Dates:

12/24/2018 – 12/26/2018

New Year’s Holiday Closed Date:

1/1/2019

Rabies Laboratory: 

Note: Specimens for Rabies testing should be shipped via Greyhound Bus. 

  • Specimens for Rabies testing received before 3:00 PM on Friday, 12/21/2018 will be tested Saturday, 12/22/2018.
    • Positive results will be called out Saturday, 12/22/2018.
    • Negative specimen results will be available Thursday, 12/27/2018.  
  • Emergency testing will be available on Saturday, 12/22/2018 and Wednesday, 12/26/2018, by arrangement with laboratory personnel (512-776-7595), if specimen receipt can be guaranteed.
  • All other specimens will be tested on Thursday, 12/27/2018 and reported the same day.  
  • Specimens for Rabies testing received before 3:00 PM on Friday, 12/28/2018 will be tested on Saturday, 12/29/2018.
    • Positive results will be called out Saturday, 12/29/2018. 
    • Negative results will be available on Wednesday, 1/2/2019. 
  • Emergency testing will be available on Saturday, 12/29/2018 and Monday, 12/31/2018 by arrangement with laboratory personnel (512-776-7595), if specimen receipt can be guaranteed. 
  • Specimens received after 3:00 PM on Friday, 12/28/2018 and before 8:00 AM on Wednesday, 1/2/2019 will be tested on 1/2/2019 and positive results will be called out before 5:00 PM.  

Viral Isolation Laboratory: 

  • DO NOT ship specimens for delivery Saturday, 12/22/2018 through Wednesday, 12/26/2018. 
    • Store specimens collected during this time period at -70°C or below and ship specimens on dry ice for delivery on 12/27/2018.
  • DO NOT ship specimens for receipt on Monday, 12/31/2018. 
    • Store specimens at -70°C or below and ship for delivery on Wednesday, 1/2/2019.

Mycobacteriology/Mycology Laboratory:

  • To receive expedited AFB Smear and/or NAA for M. tuberculosis test results before the Christmas holiday:
    • Ensure specimens are delivered to the laboratory by 8:00 AM on Friday, 12/21/2018.
    • Telephone expedited test requests to 512-776-7342.
  • DO NOT ship specimens on Friday, 12/21/2018 through Tuesday, 12/25/2018.
    • Store collected specimens in the refrigerator and ship on Wednesday, 12/26/2018. 
  • DO NOT ship specimens to be delivered on Monday, 12/31/2018 or Tuesday, 1/1/2019. 
    • Store collected specimens in refrigerator and ship for delivery on Wednesday, 1/2/2019.

   

Questions? Contact the Texas DSHS Laboratory:

Call toll free: 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7318 or for local calls 512-776-7318

Email: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov

NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov

Or: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov


Posted December 6, 2018

Notice – Testing Delayed for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Since November 7, 2018, the DSHS Laboratory has experienced technical issues with the instruments used for testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea by genetic probe.  While specimens are still being accepted for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing, results will be delayed until technical issues can be resolved. Please direct questions or comments to LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov.

Posted November 15, 2018


RESULTS ARE JUST A CLICK AWAY…

 

Sign up for a free online account today!


Available remote data systems:  

  • Newborn Screening (NBS) Results via Neometrics
  • Clinical Chemistry (THSTEPS) Results via Results-Web Portal
  • Public Health Microbiology (PH) Results via Results-Web Portal 
  • Public Health Microbiology (PHLIMS for Epidemiologists) Results via Results-Web Portal (LabWare)   


Signing up is easy!

To use the above remote data system(s), complete these forms:

  • One Facility Security Agreement per facility (or per Submitter ID) (pdf)
  • One Web User Access Agreement per user (pdf)  

Once forms are completed email to: Remotelabsupport@dshs.texas.gov  

More information about the web applications can be found on the DSHS Laboratory Services Section website here.

Posted October 30, 2018

Notice – QuantiFERON Testing Not Available After October 2018

Effective Monday, November 1, 2018, the DSHS Laboratory will no longer offer testing services for QuantiFERON (Tuberculosis serology). For questions related to the QuantiFERON test or testing laboratories, contact Cari Sloma, Serological Analysis Group Manager at 512-776-7760. For questions related to Tuberculosis Program Services please contact the DSHS TB Program via email at: TB.Feedback@dshs.texas.gov.

Posted October 22, 2018


Texas Department of State Health Services - Laboratory

 Thanksgiving Holiday Closure Reminders

The Texas DSHS Laboratory in Austin will be closed:

11/22/2018 - Thursday
11/23/2018 – Friday

 


Newborn Screening (NBS)

Testing Notices:

  • NBS specimens received and accessioned on Wednesday, 11/21/2018 will be tested immediately by the NBS laboratory.
  • Healthcare providers may be notified of critical level preliminary presumptive positive results on Thursday, 11/22/2018 (Thanksgiving Day).
  • NBS testing will resume on Saturday, 11/24/2018.
  • Healthcare providers may be notified of critical level preliminary presumptive positive results on Sunday, 11/25/2018.

 

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, 11/21/2018 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, 11/21/2018 will be tested Friday, 11/23/2018 and positive results will be called out before noon. 
  • Emergency testing will be available on Friday, 11/23/2018 and Saturday, 11/24/2018 by arrangement with laboratory personnel (512-776-7595) if specimen receipt can be guaranteed.   Negative specimen results will be available Monday, 11/26/2018.  All other specimens will be tested on Monday, 11/26/2018 and reported before 5 PM.


Healthcare Provider Reminders:

  • Viral Isolation Laboratory:  Do not ship specimens Wednesday, 11/21/2018 – Sunday, 11/25/2018.  If specimens are collected during this time period, please store at -70°C or below and ship specimens the following week, beginning Monday, 11/26/2018 on dry ice.
  • Mycobacteriology/Mycology Laboratory (TB): To receive expedited AFB Smear and/or NAAfor M. tuberculosis test results before the holiday, please ensure that specimens are delivered to the laboratory by 8:30 AM on Wednesday, 11/21/2018. Please telephone expedited test requests to 512-776-7342.

   

Questions? Contact the Texas DSHS Laboratory:

Call toll free: 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7318 or for local calls 512-776-7318

Email: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov

NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov

Or: mailto:ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov

Posted October 2, 2018


The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory Services Section  is proposing changes to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC).

The purpose of the changes is to repeal rules §73.54 and §73.55 related to the Fee Schedule for Clinical Testing and Newborn Screening, as well as Chemical Analyses, from TAC. Additionally, rule §73.41 will be amended to direct stakeholders to the LSS website to view the most current laboratory fee schedule.

Changes to the Laboratory’s Public Fee Schedule will be made based on the business needs of the LSS and the public health needs of the department and posted on the Laboratory’s website for stakeholder review. Changes to available laboratory testing and related pricing may include implementing new testing methodologies, updating fees to reflect the cost of testing, and eliminating certain low volume tests to make more efficient use of staff time and to reduce costs. Any increase in fees may include processes for stakeholder input as well as customer communication regarding all changes to the fee schedule.

A full draft of the proposed rule changes may be found in the draft rules section here. https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/policies-rules/health-human-services-rulemaking

For questions or comments please contact Martha Thompson at martha.thompson@dshs.texas.gov or 

(512) 776-6191 by August 31, 2018.

Posted August 20, 2018  

Register now for our FREE webinar “The Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN) In Texas” - July 17

Date: July 17, 2018
Time: 2-3:30pm CST

This intermediate-level course describes the CDC’s ARLN activities in Texas. It provides an overview of important pathogens, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, laboratory testing capabilities, and isolate submission criteria. Case studies are used to describe the epidemiological investigation processes and the application of CDC antimicrobial resistance containment strategies in healthcare facilities.

Course Objectives:

  • Identify the goals of the CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN)
  • Describe the significance of detecting mechanisms of resistance
  • Explain the investigation process once an ARLN alert is received
  • Define the ARLN isolate submission criteria
  • List the pathogens and resistance characterized by ARLN testing

Speakers:
Annie Nutt, MPH, CIC
Thi Dang, MPH, CHES, CIC
Gillian Blackwell, BSN, RN, CIC
Alesha Stewart, PhD

Register online.

Continuing Education:

Continuing education credit/contact hours for this event are provided by The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service and include the following:

Continuing Nursing Education:
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service has awarded 1.5 contact hour(s) of Continuing Nursing Education.

Social Workers:
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service under sponsor number CS3065 has been approved by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (https://dshs.texas.gov/socialwork) to offer continuing education contact hours to social workers. The approved status of The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service expires annually on December 31. The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service has awarded 1.5 contact hour(s) of Continuing Social Work Education.

Certified Health Education Specialists:
Sponsored by The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1.5 total entry-level Category I contact education contact hours.

Certified in Public Health
On 10/18/2017 the Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service was awarded multi-event provider status (ID #1360) by the National Board of Public Health Examiners to award CPH continuing education credits. This activity has been awarded 1.5 credits.

Certificate of Attendance:
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service has designated 1.5 hour(s) for attendance.

P.A.C.E.
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E. ® Program. This program is approved for 1.5 contact hours.

Posted 7/06/2018

DSHS Requests for Clinical Laboratories to Ship All Cyclospora Positive Stool Specimens to DSHS Lab - Austin

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a project to identify and validate genotyping tools that could be beneficial in linking cases of cyclosporiasis in outbreak investigations. DSHS is requesting that clinical laboratories send all appropriate Cyclospora positive stool specimens to the DSHS Laboratory in Austin for molecular analysis. Review the DSHS letter for more information about this project and how to submit specimens.

Posted 6/27/2018

Clinical and Public Health Laboratory Partnership to Stop the Spread of CRE and Drug-Resistant Candida Webinar - April 25

On Wednesday, April 25, experts from CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN) will host a webinar to discuss the new nationwide testing available to clinical and public health laboratorians to rapid detect antibiotic resistant threats like carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Candida auris.

The ARLN provides every state with advanced testing—such as susceptibility, molecular detection of resistance genes, and sequencing—for healthcare, community, and food isolates.

Join the webinar to hear more about the available testing and what isolates your lab can submit for further characterization. Panelists will also share how the ARLN successfully identified, for example, CRE infections and helped contain spread in a clinical facility.  

REGISTER TODAY!

Clinical and Public Health Laboratory Partnership to Stop the Spread of CRE and Drug-Resistant Candida

Wednesday, April 25 at 2 p.m. EDT

Register: https://www.pathlms.com/asm/courses/7198

Attend and earn 1.0 P.A.C.E.® credit!

Panelists include:

  • Maroya Walters, PhD, Epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • David Warshauer, PhD, D(ABMM), Deputy Director Communicable Diseases at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene
  • Massimo Pacilli, MS, MPH, C(ASCP), Manager of Quality Assurance, Laboratory Liaison at the West Side Center for Disease Control; City of Chicago 

The conversation will be moderated by Carey-Ann Burnham, PhD, D(ABMM),Associate Professor, Pathology & Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine.

Please register and share this invitation with laboratory colleagues who would benefit from learning about this nationwide antibiotic resistance testing.

Please send any questions about submitting CRE and Candida auris samples in Texas to TexasARLN@dshs.texas.gov .

Posted 4/24/2018

Laboratory Holiday Closure Notice: Christmas and New Year 2017

Posted 12/8/2017

Laboratory Holiday Closure Notice: Thanksgiving 2017

Posted 11/13/2017


Last updated May 6, 2020