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 February 27, 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
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
Posted 12/8/2017
Posted 11/13/2017