Q: How can I find out if the Laboratory Services Section performs a specific test?
A: Refer to the Laboratory Services Section's Laboratory Testing Services Manual, Disease or Agent.
Q: What tube do I use for a specific specimen?
A: Refer to the Laboratory Services Section's Laboratory Testing Services Manual, Disease or Agent, or call the Laboratory (512) 776-7318, toll free (888) 963-7111, ext. 7318.
Q: If I have a complaint about a hospital or laboratory, who do I contact?
A: Refer to the DSHS Home Page, Health Facility Licensure.
Q: What is the the price for testing a specific specimen?
A: Please see the DSHS Fee Schedules for the Austin and South Texas Laboratory on our website. Changes in fees occur periodically with effective dates noted at the top right-hand side of each posted fee schedule.
Q: How can I dispose of chemicals or hazardous waste?
A: If the inquiry is from a DSHS employee, contact the Laboratory Safety Office (512) 458-7318. If the inquiry is from someone outside TDSHS, contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Q: I have questions about CLIA regulations for laboratories. Who do I contact?
A: Contact the Health Facility Compliance Division, (512) 834-6650 or visit the CLIA web page.
Q: Is the DSHS Laboratory certified by CLIA?
A: Yes, click here to view the Laboratory CLIA documents.
Q: Is the DSHS Laboratory certified by CAP?
A: Yes, click here to view the Laboratory CAP documents.
Q: Who do I contact about a bill I received from the Laboratory Services Section regarding water or medical testing?
A: Contact the Laboratory Services Section, Accounts Receivable at (512) 776-7317.
Q: For what purposes does the Laboratory Services Section certify or approve laboratories?
A: The Quality Assurance Unit certifies laboratories for the bacteriological examination of water, the examination of Grade A milk and milk products, and the examination of molluskan shellfish and seawaters. The Unit approves laboratories that screen bulk raw milk for the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics. Refer to the DSHS Home Page Licenses and Regulation tab (the last link in the left-side navigation) for other DSHS licenses or certifications.
Q: How can I obtain a PDF copy of the Laboratory Services Section Laboratory Services Testing Manual?
A: You can click this link for the Laboratory Services Testing Manual (4.5mb), or call the Business Office at (512) 776-7318.
Q: Who do I contact for assistance regarding the procedure for NBS (Newborn Screening) specimen collection on filter paper?
A: Refer to instructions on the NBS forms, to the Texas Newborn Screening Program Practitioner's Guide*, or visit "The Collection of Newborn Screening Specimens" web page.
*This guide is available from NBS Case Management, (800) 252-8023.
Q: How do I find out what I need to do for an abnormal Newborn Screening result?
A: Contact Newborn Screening Case Management, (800) 252-8023. A brief explanation of requests for rescreening is found on the Collection of Screening Specimens page of the Newborn Screening Practitioner's Guide.
Q: I received a form from the Laboratory Services Section marked "could not be tested because the specimen had clotted or was not collected correctly." Who can I contact?
A: If the specimen is blood, call Clinical Chemistry (512) 776-7680 for an explanation and check out our web page on Tips for Successful Specimen Collection.
|