Also view South Texas Laboratory Correspondence and Bulletins

Manufacturing Issue Causing HIV Screen Testing Read Errors and Affecting Reports  

An unexpected manufacturing issue with the current lot of HIV Ag-Ab reagent kits used for HIV Screen testing at the DSHS Austin Laboratory is leading to no reportable results for some patient specimens.  

The Laboratory will instead perform HIV-1 NAAT testing on specimens that do not generate reportable HIV Screen results. To help ensure accurate diagnosis, submitters of affected specimens should recollect and resubmit a new specimen for repeat HIV Screen testing. Submitters will not be charged for HIV Screen tests cancelled due to read errors but will be billed for HIV-1 NAAT testing and repeat HIV Screen testing.  

No other STI test, including HIV-1 RNA NAAT, is affected by this manufacturing issue. Turn-around-times (TATs) for reporting HIV screening results will take longer for affected specimens.   

Providers should continue submitting specimens to the DSHS Austin Laboratory.  

HIV Screening Questions?  

Contact the Serology Laboratory: 

Phone: 512-776-7760, 512-776-2505, or 512-776-3501 

Email: Serological.Analysis@dshs.texas.gov  

Posted August 07, 2026

DSHS Austin Laboratory to Discontinue Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Carbapenem Resistant Organisms

Effective Monday, 08/03/2026, the Texas DSHS Austin Laboratory will discontinue routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) as part of the standard test panel for carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii specimens that are submitted through the AR Laboratory Network Carbapenem Resistant Organisms (CRO) program.  

Submitters must provide any prior clinical AST reports with all submitted CRO isolates to confirm the isolate meets acceptance criteria. Organism identification, phenotypic carbapenemase detection, molecular carbapenemase detection (if applicable), and next generation sequencing (if applicable) will still be performed on all qualifying specimens submitted to the Laboratory.  

Thank you for your continued support and isolate submissions to the AR Lab Network at the DSHS Laboratory. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. 

Questions or Comments?  

• Call: 512-776-7582 
• Email: TexasARLN@dshs.texas.gov 
• You may also refer to the Texas AR Laboratory Network’s  FAQ section How often should we submit isolates? which provides the definition of a duplicate isolate submission and identifies how to avoid submitting duplicates.

Posted August 07, 2026

Keeping Specimens at the Correct Temperature When Shipping in Summer Heat

In response to higher summer temperatures, please be sure to ship temperature-sensitive specimens with enough refrigerant to maintain a stable temperature for up to 48 hours. The DSHS Laboratory cannot test specimens that arrive out of temperature range.

• Use the appropriate refrigerant for the specimen type.
• Use several frozen gel packs for cold specimens; one is not enough.
• Dry ice sublimates at a rate of 5–10 lbs. per 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the insulated container. Please measure accordingly.  
• Fill empty spaces in containers with absorbent materials to stabilize the internal temperature.
• Ship specimens overnight as soon as possible after collection.
• Do not ship specimens for a weekend or holiday delivery.  
  • Keep specimens cold or frozen until they can be delivered during regular business hours* (Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).  

Specimen Shipping and Packaging Guidance  

• General Specimen Submission Guidance Job Aids
• Specimen Acquisition Team: 512-776-7598

Overnight Shipping Address:  

     Texas Department of State Health Services 
     Public Health Laboratory Division 
     1100 W. 49th Street, MC 1947 
     Austin, TX 78756-3199

*Saturday delivery of rabies specimens for same day testing is available in emergency situations only. Refer to the Rabies Specimens webpage for more submission details.  

Posted July 29, 2026

Urgent Request: Submit Only Animal Heads to the DSHS Rabies Laboratory for Testing 

The DSHS Rabies Laboratory urgently requests that rabies customers submit only the heads of animals that weigh more than 450g/1 lb., (about the weight of a full soda can). 

The Rabies Laboratory is receiving an unprecedented number of whole carcasses of larger animals such as skunks, raccoons and cats, which is slowing down testing. The laboratory is high volume and does not have room to store or process whole carcasses.  

Please refer to the rabies specimen submission guidance on the G-9 submission form and DSHS rabies specimen shipping guidance.

*Do not submit whole animals unless they are bats or weigh less than 450g (1 lb.). Do not submit live animals.  

Questions about Rabies Testing and Shipping? 

Rabies Team: 512-776-7595 or rabies.team@dshs.texas.gov 

Overnight/Priority Shipping Address for Rabies Specimens 

Salvador Arreola 

Texas Department of State Health Services 
Laboratory Services Section 
1100 W. 49th Street 
Austin, TX 78756-3199 

Phone: 512-776-7595 

Posted July 24, 2026

DSHS Austin Laboratory Begins Andes Virus and Sin Nombre Virus Hantavirus Antibody Testing

Effective Monday, 07/06/2026, the Texas DSHS Austin Laboratory began testing human serum specimens for the presence of hantavirus IgM and IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This assay detects both Andes virus (ANDV) and Sin Nombre virus (SNV) hantavirus strains.

The DSHS Laboratory will forward specimens identified as positive for hantavirus IgM antibodies to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. Please note that submitters must notify their local infectious disease contact within one week if a human case of Hantavirus infection is suspected or confirmed.

For more information on notifiable conditions in Texas, please visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/notifiable-conditions.

Refer to the Hantavirus specimen submission one pager for additional guidance.

Questions About Hantavirus Testing?

Call: 512-776-7657

Email: serological.analysis@dshs.texas.gov

Posted July 10, 2026

Proposed Fee Schedule Changes for Austin and South Texas Laboratories

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory is revising laboratory testing and fees to meet business needs. These revisions are proposed to take effect September 1, 2026. Stakeholders may submit comments until August 31, 2026. 

To view complete details, please visit the DSHS Laboratory’s Fee Schedule webpage. 

Posted June 02, 2026

Rubella IgG Testing Information

Effective May 1, 2026, the Texas DSHS Austin Laboratory will no longer provide Rubella IgG testing services. The Laboratory will not accept specimens for Rubella IgG testing after May 1, 2026.  

Submitters are encouraged to submit specimens for Rubella IgG testing to a commercial laboratory.

Questions about Rubella IgG Testing?  

Phone: 512-776-2505

Email: Serological.Analysis@dshs.texas.gov  

Posted April 28th, 2026

Delay in HIV Screen Testing due to Manufacturing Issue

Due to an unexpected manufacturing issue with the reagent kit required for our
HIV Ag-Ab screening assay, on Tuesday April 21, 2026, the DSHS Austin Laboratory will begin forwarding specimens received for HIV screening to an external laboratory for testing. The DSHS Laboratory will continue processing specimens submitted for all other STI tests, including HIV-1 RNA NAAT, as they are unaffected by the manufacturing issue.

Providers wishing to request multiple tests per patient should submit two serum specimens for each patient. Doing so will allow one specimen to be sent to the external laboratory for HIV screening, while the second remains at the DSHS Laboratory for all other testing.

HIV screening results will be reported as usual from the DSHS Laboratory but will include an additional attached report displaying the external testing laboratory’s results. Turn-around-times (TATs) for reporting HIV screening results will take longer than usual while the external laboratory conducts HIV screening for the DSHS Laboratory.

Providers should continue submitting specimens to the DSHS Austin Laboratory.

HIV Screening Questions?

Contact the Serology Laboratory:

Phone: 512-776-7760 or 512-776-2505

Email: Serological.Analysis@dshs.texas.gov

Posted April 17, 2026

Updated CPT and Procedure Code for Gonorrhea/Chlamydia (GC/CT), Amplified RNA Probe Test

The CPT and procedure codes for the Gonorrhea/Chlamydia (GC/CT), Amplified RNA Probe test have changed, effective 1/1/2026. The updated Austin Laboratory Fee Schedule reflects:

1. The new CPT code is 87494. Previously, the test had two CPT codes: 87491 and 87591.
2. The DSHS Laboratory Procedure code changed from MBB0191A to MBB0191B.

The fee charged to submitters is not impacted. The Austin Laboratory Fee Schedule is available on the DSHS website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/laboratory-services/laboratory-fee-schedule

Questions?

Please contact LabAccounting@dshs.texas.gov.

Posted February 03, 2026

DSHS Austin Laboratory Delayed Opening

January 27, 2026  

The DSHS Laboratory in Austin, TX, will open at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.

• We understand that some areas may still be negatively affected by cold and icy conditions so please check with your courier for local service alerts. Courier services may experience delays due to prolonged cold or hazardous conditions. 
   
• Received specimens will be tested as soon as possible, and backlogs will be resolved during business hours. 
   
• Please Note: Specimens received outside of their acceptability window will be unsatisfactory for testing.

The DSHS Austin Laboratory appreciates the dedication and commitment of healthcare providers to keep Texans healthy.

Contact the DSHS Austin Laboratory:

Clinical Chemistry: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov  

Container Preparation: ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov  

Environmental Chemistry Unit: EnvSciAdmin@dshs.texas.gov  

Newborn Screening: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov  

Specimen Submission: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov  

Microbiology Unit: Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov  

Clinical Chemistry General Inquiries: 512-776-6236  

Microbiology General Inquiries: 512-776-7599  

Newborn Screening General Inquiries: 512-776-7333  

Posted January 26, 2026

DSHS Austin Laboratory Inclement Weather Closure

January 26, 2026  

The DSHS Laboratory in Austin, TX, will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. The closure may cause testing delays.

• Continue to ship all specimens per regular guidelines.
  • Due to the potential for shipping delays, please transfer serum for glucose and lipid testing from SST tubes into new tubes and freeze them. Then ship them only after weather conditions improve.
• Courier services may experience delays due to the weather.
  • Please check with your courier for local service alerts.
• All specimens will be processed as soon as possible after resuming normal operations.
  • Note that specimens received outside of their acceptability window will be unsatisfactory for testing.
• The Laboratory will work at maximum capacity to resolve any specimen backlog. 

The DSHS Austin Laboratory appreciates the dedication and commitment of healthcare providers to keep Texans healthy. 

Contact the DSHS Austin Laboratory:

Clinical Chemistry: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov 

Container Preparation: ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov 

Environmental Chemistry Unit: EnvSciAdmin@dshs.texas.gov  

Newborn Screening: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov  

Specimen Submission: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov  

Microbiology Unit: Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov  

Clinical Chemistry General Inquiries: 512-776-6236 

Microbiology General Inquiries: 512-776-7599 

Newborn Screening General Inquiries: 512-776-7333  

Posted January 25, 2026

Increase to DSHS Newborn Screening Kit effective January 1, 2026

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory is revising laboratory testing and fees to meet business needs.

Effective January 1, 2026, the cost of paid newborn screening (NBS) kits increases from $68.63 to $94.81. Paid NBS kits, ordered on or after January 1, 2026, would be billed at the new price of $94.81. Additionally, the procedure name will be updated from “Newborn Screening Panel Test Kit (private pay) Fee” to “Newborn Screening Panel Test Kit (Insurance/Self-Pay) Fee.” The purpose of this increase will be for the addition of new conditions to the DSHS newborn screening panel and to support increased costs for operations.

To view complete details, visit the DSHS Laboratory’s Fee Schedule webpage.

Posted December 31, 2025

Important Update: Water Bacteriology Sample Collection and Form Changes, Effective January 5, 2026

​Overview of Changes

​The DSHS Austin and South Texas Laboratories are implementing crucial updates to the criteria for water bacteriology sample bottle acceptance and introducing a revised sample submission form. These changes are designed to enhance the accuracy and integrity of our testing process.

​These updates will be effective beginning January 5, 2026.

​Key Changes to Sample Collection and Submission

• ​Water Sample Bottles (New Acceptance Criteria):

  • ​Effective January 5, 2026, only IDEXX bottles approved and provided by the                                    DSHS Austin and South Texas Laboratories will be accepted.

    NOTE: Microtech Scientific bottles will not be accepted after the effective date.

  • ​Expired bottles will no longer be accepted.  Please verify the lot number (located on the bottom of the container) and expiration date in the tables below.
  • ​Compliant sample containers are available for pickup from the DSHS Austin Laboratory and the South Texas Laboratory (STL).
• ​Required Submission Form (Revised G-19 Form):
  • ​All water samples must be submitted using the revised G-19 Water Bacteriology Submission Form (Revision October 2025).
  • ​Submitting a complete G-19 form is mandatory for sample processing.

​Action Required

​Please follow the mandatory changes to avoid sample rejection. We encourage all submitters to immediately transition to using the approved IDEXX bottles and the revised G-19 form for samples collected on or after January 5, 2026.

​For additional details and a comprehensive review of all changes, please refer to the links provided below.

• DSHS Austin: Submitting Potable Water Samples to the Consumer Microbiology Laboratory | Texas DSHS
• DSHS South Texas: Public Drinking Water - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.texas.gov

Table 1 Water Bacteriology Sample Collection Lots (AUSTIN)

         Table 2 Water Bacteriology Sample Collection Lots (SOUTH TEXAS)

Posted December 03, 2025

Proposed increase to DSHS Newborn Screening Kit effective January 1, 2026

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory is revising laboratory testing and fees to meet business needs. 

Effective January 1, 2026, the cost of paid newborn screening (NBS) kits increases from $68.63 to $94.81. Paid NBS kits, ordered on or after January 1, 2026, would be billed at the new price of $94.81. Additionally, the procedure name will be updated from “Newborn Screening Panel Test Kit (private pay) Fee” to “Newborn Screening Panel Test Kit (Insurance/Self-Pay) Fee.” The purpose of this increase will be for the addition of new conditions to the DSHS newborn screening panel and to support increased costs for operations. 

Stakeholders may submit comments until December 31, 2025. To view complete details, visit the DSHS Laboratory’s Fee Schedule webpage. 

Posted October 01, 2025

Fee Schedule Notice

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory Division has revised laboratory testing and fees to meet business needs. These revisions take effect September 1, 2025.

To view complete details, please visit the DSHS Laboratory’s Fee Schedule webpage. 

Posted August 29, 2025

2025 Annual DSHS Austin Public Health Laboratory Customer Service Survey

A message from Grace Kubin, Ph.D., Deputy Commissioner, DSHS Public Health Laboratory Division.

It’s that time of year again! Each year, the DSHS Austin Public Health Laboratory conducts a survey, open to all our customers, to provide important feedback on laboratory services. Your feedback is used by the laboratory to better understand your needs and identify gaps in service as part of the laboratory's commitment to continuous quality improvement. If you are interested in seeing the results of last year’s survey, you can find them here: 2024 Annual DSHS Laboratory Customer Service Survey Results Summary.

I encourage you to take the 2025 Public Health Laboratory Customer Service Survey. It should not take more than 10 minutes to complete. For questions or concerns, please send an email to: Labinfo@dshs.texas.gov.

 2025 Public Health Laboratory Customer Service Survey

**Feedback will be collected until July 31st, 2025**

Posted July 01, 2025

Subject:  Proposed Fee Schedule Changes for Austin and South Texas Laboratories

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory is revising laboratory testing and fees to meet business needs. These revisions are proposed to take effect September 1, 2025. Stakeholders may submit comments until August 31, 2025.

To view complete details, please visit the DSHS Laboratory’s Fee Schedule webpage. 

Posted June 02, 2025

Laboratory Closed May 26, 2025

The Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Laboratory will close on May 26, 2025, to observe Memorial Day.

Need Help? 
Contact the DSH Laboratory: 
Phone: 1-888-963-7111

Visit: Laboratory Testing Services Manual - Specimen Receiving, Lab Hours, Holidays | Texas DSHS

Posted May 23, 2025

DSHS Public Health Laboratory in Austin, Texas to Undergo Critical Generator Updates and Repairs

Beginning February 15, 2025, The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory in Austin, Texas will undergo critical generator updates and repairs. This work will require a series of weekend building closures. This building project will continue through late spring 2025.

At this time, we do not expect any changes in processes for our submitters.

Testing services will continue. Due to the type of building work, some testing services will be temporarily delayed.

Posted February 13, 2025

DSHS Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Information Management System Update

In the spring of 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory will update the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).  This update will impact Texas Health Steps (THSteps) and other providers who submit lead, hemoglobin, glucose, and lipid specimens to the DSHS Laboratory.

Key Changes:

• Clinical Chemistry submitters with a 9-digit Texas Provider Index (TPI) number will receive an 8-digit submitter number.
• Patient reports for lead, hemoglobin, glucose, and lipid testing will have a different layout.
• You will only receive a mailed patient report if you have selected this option as your preferred delivery method for test results. 

Important Reminders:

• You must keep your facility’s information up to date with Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP). Visit TMHP at http://www.tmhp.com or call 1-800-925-9126 (option 3) to verify and update your provider information. 
• The Laboratory Reporting Branch will continue to verify your facility’s eligibility for THSteps submission and supplies through TMHP.
• Do NOT alter pre-populated facility information on submission forms. Contact the Laboratory Reporting Branch to provide updates to facility/submitter information. 

Please watch for additional updates regarding these changes. We will continue to provide further details and guidance as the implementation progresses to ensure a smooth transition.
 
Need help?
Contact DSHS Laboratory Reporting Branch:
Phone: 1-888- 963-7111 ext. 7578 or Locally: 512-776-7578
Fax: 512-776-7533 or 512-776-7223
Email: Labinfo@dshs.texas.gov

Posted February 12, 2025

DSHS Austin Laboratory Open Regular Business Hours - Wednesday, January 22, 2025

 The DSHS Austin Laboratory will return to normal operations Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

We understand that some areas may still be negatively affected by cold and icy conditions so please check with your courier for local service alerts. Courier services may experience delays due to prolonged cold or hazardous conditions.

Received specimens will be tested as soon as possible, and backlogs will be resolved during business hours.

• Please Note: Specimens received outside of their acceptability window will be unsatisfactory for testing.

Questions? Contact the DSHS Austin Laboratory:

Clinical Chemistry: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov 

Clinical Chemistry General Inquiries: 512-776-6236 

Container Preparation: ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov 

Environmental Chemistry Unit: EnvSciAdmin@dshs.texas.gov  

Microbiology Unit: Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov 

Microbiology General Inquiries: 512-776-7599 

Newborn Screening General Inquiries: 512-776-7333 

Newborn Screening: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov  

Specimen Submission: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov 

Posted January 21, 2025

DSHS Austin Laboratory Closure Due to Inclement Weather January 21, 2025

Inclement weather in Austin and other parts of Texas on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, may cause testing delays at the Laboratory.

• The DSHS Austin Microbiology Unit and Environmental Sciences Laboratory will be closed on
  Tuesday, January 21, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.
• The Newborn Screening Laboratory will perform limited testing during that time.
• Continue to ship all specimens per regular guidelines.
  • Due to the potential for shipping delays, please transfer serum for glucose and lipid testing from SST tubes into new tubes and freeze them. Then ship them only after weather conditions improve.
• Courier services may experience delays due to the weather.
  • Please check with your courier for local service alerts.
• All specimens will be processed as soon as possible after resumption of normal operations.
  • Note that specimens received outside of their acceptability window will be unsatisfactory for testing.
• The Laboratory will work at maximum capacity to resolve any specimen backlog.

The DSHS Austin Laboratory appreciates the dedication and commitment of healthcare providers to keep Texans healthy.

Contact the DSHS Austin Laboratory:

Clinical Chemistry: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov 

Clinical Chemistry General Inquiries: 512-776-6236 

Container Preparation: ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov 

Environmental Chemistry Unit: EnvSciAdmin@dshs.texas.gov  

Microbiology Unit: Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov 

Microbiology General Inquiries: 512-776-7599 

Newborn Screening General Inquiries: 512-776-7333 

Newborn Screening: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov  

Specimen Submission: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov 

Posted January 20, 2025