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512-776-7318
Fax:
512-776-7294

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Phone: 512-776-7598

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Austin Laboratory Correspondence and Bulletins

DSHS Laboratory Services Section – Notice to Public

Also view South Texas Laboratory Correspondence and Bulletins

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.

For more information, please visit the DSHS Laboratory webpage.

Laboratory Renovation information (2025 Laboratory Renovation | Texas DSHS)

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 HoursWednesday, 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

Change to the Texas DSHS Laboratory Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2025

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 January 1, 2025. 

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

Posted December 31, 2024 

Request for Antimicrobial Resistant Sample Submissions

Dear Laboratory managers, microbiology supervisors, and infection preventionists,  

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and fungi is an urgent global public health challenge that can threaten the health and livelihoods of Texans. The CDC’s Antimicrobial Resistance Threats in the United States, 2021-2022 report analyzed new data showing that seven antimicrobial resistant pathogens increased the burden of hospital onset infections by a combined 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. To ensure healthcare facilities have processes in place to prevent other patients from contracting these pathogens, Texas epidemiologists use the containment guidance in the Texas Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network Response Plan. 

The Texas Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Laboratory, as part of the CDC’s AR Laboratory Network, works with local and regional healthcare facilities and laboratories across the state to rapidly detect antimicrobial resistant microbes and prevent their spread. You can help by submitting swabs and/or isolates of the following microbes to the Texas AR Laboratory:  

  • *Candida auris or unknown Candida spp.  
  • Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales 
  • Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa 
  • Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii 
  • Antimicrobial Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (AR GC) 

*It is mandatory to submit isolates for positive cases of C. auris per Texas Administrative Code Rule §97.3. 

Texas AR Laboratory tests submissions for organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, carbapenemase production, and mechanism of resistance. Additional details about AR Lab Network testing can be found in the Texas Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network Response Plan.  

Contact Information 

Texas AR Laboratory - AR Testing, Specimen Submissions 

Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MDRO) Group - AR Organisms, Data 

Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Team – Screenings, ICARs 

Shipping Information More details about shipping specimens for antimicrobial resistance testing may be found online at the links below. 

Thank you for your partnership with us in this crucial public health effort for all Texans.  

Sincerely,  

The Texas Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory and  
the Texas Healthcare Associated Infections/ Antimicrobial Resistance Investigations Group 

Posted December 30, 2024 

DSHS Austin Laboratory Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Closure Reminder 

With the exception of Newborn Screening and Rabies testing, the DSHS Austin Laboratory will be closed, and testing will not occur Tuesday, 12/24/2024, Wednesday, 12/25/2024, and Thursday, 12/26/2024. Testing services will resume as normal, Friday, 12/27/2024. 

  • The Laboratory will be closed on New Year’s Day, Wednesday 01/01/2025. 

All submitters are responsible for the timely and appropriate shipping of specimens to the Laboratory. 

See below for more details on selected testing.  

Newborn Screening (NBS)

Christmas Closure is Tuesday, 12/24/2024 and Wednesday, 12/25/2024. Testing will resume Thursday, 12/26/2024.  
New Year’s Closure is Wednesday, 01/01/2025. Testing will resume Thursday, 01/02/2025. 

  • We will test NBS specimens received and accessioned on Monday, 12/23/2024 and Tuesday, 12/31/2024.  
  • We will notify healthcare providers of critical-level preliminary presumptive positive results on Tuesday, 12/24/2024 (Christmas Eve). 

Submission Reminders 

  • DO NOT DELAY the collection or shipment of newborn screening specimens. 
  • Ship dried specimens within 24 hours of collection. If mail or courier services are unavailable, ship as soon as possible.  
  • DSHS recommends shipping specimens using an overnight or trackable service such as USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, and UPS. 

Clinical Chemistry 

Christmas Closure is Tuesday, 12/24/2024 through Thursday, 12/26/24. Testing will resume Friday, 12/27/2024.  

New Year’s Closure is Wednesday, 01/01/2025. Testing will resume Thursday, 01/02/2025.  

  • Total hemoglobin, lead, glucose, and lipid/cholesterol specimens must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, 12/23/2024 to complete testing before the Holiday closure. 
  • DO NOT ship cholesterol, lipid profile, or glucose specimens on Friday, 12/27/2024. 

Submission Reminders 

  • Specimens submitted for lead and total hemoglobin testing must be received within 14 days of collection. 
  • Specimens submitted for glucose, lipid panel, and cholesterol testing must be received according to the specimen submission guidelines available at  

Laboratory Testing Services Manual - Guidelines for Specimen Shipping and Mailing | Texas DSHS.  

Environmental Science 

Microbiology 

Christmas Closure is Tuesday 12/24/2024 through Thursday 12/26/2024. Testing will resume Friday 12/27/2024.  

New Year’s Closure is Wednesday 01/01/2025. Testing will resume Thursday 01/02/2025.  

Rabies Specimens 

  • We will test specimens received before 11:00 a.m. Monday, 12/23/2024 the same day.   
    • Results will be available by 5:00 p.m.    
  • We will test specimens received after 11:00 a.m. Monday, 12/23/2024 on Tuesday, 12/24/2024.   
    • We will notify submitters of positive results by 12:00 p.m. Preliminary results will be available by 12:00 p.m., if requested.  
    • Final results will be available to submitters on Friday, 12/27/2024 by 5:00 p.m.  
  • Emergency testing—only by prior arrangement with Rabies testing staff—will be available: Tuesday, 12/24/2024, Thursday, 12/26/24; and Wednesday, 01/01/2025.  
  • Call 512-776-7595 before 4:00 p.m. of the previous day to discuss.  
  • Emergency testing is not available on Wednesday, 12/25/2024.  
    • Specimen receipt by 8:00 a.m. must be guaranteed to ensure same day testing and preliminary results.   
  • DO NOT ship specimens for delivery Tuesday, 12/24/2024 through Thursday, 12/26/2024 or Wednesday, 01/01/2025. Store specimens at 2ºC–8ºC until shipping is possible.  
    • All other specimens will be tested on Friday, 12/27/2024.  

Tuberculosis (TB) Specimens  

  • The TB Lab must receive critical specimens for AFB Smear and NAA testing by 8:30 a.m., Monday, 12/23/2024 for expedited AFB Smear and NAA test results before the Christmas holiday. 
  • DO NOT ship specimens for delivery on Tuesday, 12/24/2024 through Thursday, 12/26/2024.  
  • Refrigerate specimens collected during this period until shipping is possible. 
  • Call 512-776-7342 before 9:00 a.m., Monday, 12/23/2024 for expedited test requests. 

Candida auris Swab Specimens 

  • Do not ship swabs for delivery on Monday, 12/23/2024 through Wednesday, 1/1/2025.  
  • Please remember that swabs must be received within 72 hours of collection. 

Carbapenem Resistant Organisms Swab Specimens 

  • Do not collect or ship swabs from Monday, 12/23/2024 through Friday 12/27/2024.   
  • Do not ship swabs for delivery on Wednesday, 1/1/2025.   

Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Specimens 

  • Do not collect or ship swabs from Monday, 12/23/2024 through Thursday, 12/26/2024.  

Bacteriology Water Samples 

  • Do not ship for delivery or drop off samples from Monday, 12/23/2024 to Friday, 12/27/2024.  
  • We will accept water samples on Monday, 12/30/2024.  
  • Do not ship for delivery or drop off samples on Tuesday, 12/31/2024 or Wednesday, 01/01/2025.  
  • Our regular specimen acceptance schedule will resume on Thursday, 01/02/2025.  

All Other Microbiology Specimens or Samples 

  • Do not ship specimens for delivery between Tuesday, 12/24/2024 and Thursday, 12/26/2024.  
  • Store specimens collected during this time at an appropriate temperature (e.g., -70°C) or below, for clinical virology samples.  
  • No tests will be performed from Tuesday, 12/24/2024 to Thursday, 12/26/2024. 

Ordering Laboratory Supplies 

Newborn Screening Requests 

  • Priority overnight orders received by 12:00 p.m. Monday, 12/23/2024 will be processed and shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight. 
  • Standard orders received by 12:00 p.m. Monday, 12/23/2024 will be processed and shipped via FedEx Ground. 
  • Orders received after 12:00 p.m. on Monday, 12/23/2024 through Thursday, 12/26/2024 will be processed on Friday, 12/27/2024. 

Texas Health Steps/PKU/TB/HIV/C. auris/CRO/GC AST Courier Supply Requests 

  • Orders received on Monday, 12/23/2024 will be audited, issued, and shipped via FedEx Ground on Friday, 12/27/2024. 
  • Orders received on Tuesday 12/31/2024 will be audited, issued, and shipped on Thursday 01/02/2024 via FedEx Ground. 

***Per FedEx website, FedEx Ground will be closed Wednesday, 12/25/2024. FedEx Ground will also be closed Wednesday, 01/01/2025.*** 

Questions?  

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 December 11, 2024 

DSHS Austin Laboratory Thanksgiving Holiday Closure Reminder 

With the exception of Newborn Screening and Rabies testing, the DSHS Austin Laboratory will be closed, and no testing will occur Thursday, 11/28/2024 through Saturday, 11/30/2024. The DSHS Laboratory is completely closed on Sundays. Testing services will resume as normal, Monday, 12/02/2024.  
See below for more details on selected testing.  

Newborn Screening (NBS) 

  • The Newborn Screening Laboratory will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday 11/28/2024 and will resume testing on Friday, 11/29/2024. 

  • DO NOT DELAY collection or shipment of newborn screening specimens. 

  • Ship dried specimens within 24 hours of collection. If mail or courier services are unavailable, ship as soon as possible.  

  • DSHS recommends shipping specimens using an overnight or trackable service like USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, and UPS. 

Clinical Chemistry 

  • Total hemoglobin, lead, glucose, and lipid/cholesterol specimens must be received by Wednesday, 11/27/2024 to complete testing before the holiday closure. 

  • DO NOT ship cholesterol, lipid profile, or glucose specimens on Fridays or on the day before a state-observed holiday. 

Microbiology 

Rabies Specimens 

  • Rabies specimens received after 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, 11/27/2024 will be tested Friday, 11/29/2024. Submitters will be notified of positive results by 12:00 p.m. Friday.  
    All other results will be available Monday 12/02/2024. 

  • Emergency testing will be available Friday, 11/29/2024 and Saturday, 11/30/2024 only by prior arrangement with Rabies testing staff. Call 512-776-7595 before 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, 11/27/2024 to discuss.  
    Specimen receipt must be guaranteed by 8:00 a.m. the morning of testing. Preliminary results will be called out as soon as emergency testing is completed. Final results will be available Monday 12/02/2024. 

  • All other specimens will be tested on Monday, 12/02/2024, and results will be available by 5:00 p.m. 

Tuberculosis (TB) Specimens  

  • Do not ship specimens for delivery between Thursday, 11/28/2024 and Saturday, 11/30/2024.  
    Refrigerate specimens collected during this period until shipping is possible. 

  • Ensure critical AFB Smear and NAA for M. tuberculosis specimens are delivered by 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, 11/27/2024. 

  • Call 512-776-7342 before 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 11/27/2024 for expedited test requests. 

Candida auris Swab Specimens 

  • Do not collect or ship swabs for delivery from Tuesday, 11/26/2024 to Saturday, 11/30/2024.  

  • Please remember that swabs must be received within 72 hours of collection. 

Carbapenem Resistant Organisms Swab Specimens 

  • Do not collect or ship swabs from Tuesday, 11/26/2024 to Saturday, 11/30/2024.  

Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Specimens 

  • Do not collect or ship swabs from Tuesday, 11/26/2024 to Saturday, 11/30/2024.  

Bacteriology Water Samples 

  • Water samples will not be accepted at DSHS Laboratory from Wednesday, 11/27/2024 to Saturday, 11/30/2024. 

All Other Microbiology Specimens or Samples 

  • Do not ship specimens for delivery between Thursday, 11/28/2024 and Sunday, 12/01/2024. Store specimens collected during this time at an appropriate temperature (e.g. -70°C or below for clinical virology samples).  

  • No testing will be performed from Thursday, 11/28/2024 to Sunday, 12/01/2024. 

Ordering Laboratory Supplies 

Newborn Screening Medicaid/Paid Card Order Requests 

  • Priority overnight shipping requests received on Wednesday, 11/27/2024 will be processed and shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight. 

  • All requests received before noon Wednesday, 11/27/2024 will be processed and shipped via FedEx Ground. 

  • Requests received after noon Wednesday, 11/27/2024 through Saturday, 11/30/2024 will be sent Monday, 12/02/2024. 

Texas Health Steps/PKU/TB/HIV/Courier Supply Order Requests 

  • Requests received before 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 11/27/2024 will be audited, issued, and shipped via FedEx Ground Wednesday afternoon, 11/27/2024. 

  • Requests received after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 11/27/2024 through Sunday, 12/01/2024 will be audited, issued, and shipped on Monday, 12/02/2024 via FedEx Ground. 

*** Per FedEx website, FedEx Ground will be closed Thursday, 11/28/2024 but will deliver packages Friday, 11/29/2024.***  

Questions?  

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 November 14, 2024 

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 January 1, 2025. Stakeholders may submit comments until December 31, 2024.

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

Posted October 1, 2024

Updates to DSHS Laboratory Fee Schedules, Austin and South Texas Lab

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, 2024. 

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

Posted Aug 30, 2024

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, 2024. Stakeholders may submit comments until August 31, 2024.

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

Posted May 31, 2024

2024 Annual DSHS Austin Public Health Laboratory Customer Service Survey

A message from Grace Kubin, Ph.D., Associate 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 to see the results of last year’s survey, you can find them here: 2023 Annual DSHS Laboratory Customer Service Survey Results Summary.

I encourage you to take the 2024 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.

2024 Public Health Laboratory Customer Service Survey

**Feedback will be collected until April 30, 2024**

Posted April 1, 2024

DSHS Austin Laboratory Christmas and New Year Holiday Closure Reminder

With the exception of Newborn Screening and Rabies testing, the DSHS Austin Laboratory will be closed, and testing will not occur from Saturday, 12/23/2023 through Tuesday, 12/26/2023. Testing services will resume as normal, Wednesday, 12/27/2023.

  • The Laboratory is closed on New Year’s Day, Monday 01/01/2024.

All submitters are responsible for the timely and appropriate shipping of specimens to the Laboratory.
See below for more details on selected testing. 

Newborn Screening (NBS)

Christmas Closure: Monday 12/25/2023. Testing will resume Tuesday 12/26/2023. New Year Closure: Monday 01/01/2024. Testing will resume Tuesday 01/02/2024.

  • NBS specimens received and accessioned on Saturday, 12/23/2023 and 12/30/2023 will be tested immediately.
  • Healthcare providers may be notified of critical-level preliminary presumptive positive results on Sunday, 12/24/2023 (Christmas Eve) and Sunday, 12/31/2023 (New Year’s Eve).

Submission Reminders:

  • DO NOT DELAY collection or shipment of newborn screening specimens.
  • Ship dried specimens within 24 hours of collection. If mail or courier services are unavailable, ship as soon as possible.
  • DSHS recommends shipping specimens using an overnight or trackable service like USPS priority mail, FedEx, and UPS.

Clinical Chemistry

Christmas Closure: Monday 12/25/2023 and Tuesday 12/26/23. Testing will resume Wednesday 12/27/2023.
New Year Closure: Monday 01/01/2024. Testing will resume Tuesday 01/02/2024.
•    Total hemoglobin, lead, glucose, and lipid/cholesterol specimens must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, 12/22/2023 to complete testing before the holiday closure.
•    DO NOT ship cholesterol, lipid profile, or glucose specimens on Friday 12/22/2023.

Submission Reminders:

•    Specimens submitted for lead and total hemoglobin testing must be received within 14 days of collection.
•    Specimens submitted for glucose, lipid panel, cholesterol, and creatinine testing must be received according to the specimen submission guidelines available at  https://www.dshs.texas.gov/lab/MRS_labtests_toc.shtm.

Environmental Science

•    If you require any priority analysis during the holiday period, please reach out to envsciadmin@dshs.texas.gov.

Microbiology

Christmas Closure: Monday 12/25/2023 and Tuesday 12/26/23. Testing will resume Wednesday 12/27/23.
New Year Closure: Monday 01/01/2024. Testing will resume Tuesday 01/02/24.

Rabies Specimens:

  • Rabies specimens received before 8:00 a.m. Friday, 12/22/2023 will be tested the same day.
    • Results will be available by 5:00 p.m. 
  • Rabies specimens received after 8:00 a.m. Friday, 12/22/2023 will be tested on Saturday 12/23/2023.
    • Submitters of positive results will be notified by 12:00 p.m. Preliminary results will be available by 12:00 p.m., if requested.
    • Final results will be available to submitters on Wednesday, 12/27/2023 by 5:00 p.m.
  • Emergency testing—only by prior arrangement with Rabies testing staff—will be available: Saturday, 12/23/2023; Tuesday, 12/26/23; and Monday, 01/01/24. Call (512) 776-7595 before 4:00 p.m. of the previous day to discuss. Emergency testing is not available on 12/25/23.
    • Specimen receipt by 8:00 a.m. must be guaranteed to ensure same day testing and preliminary results.
  • DO NOT ship specimens for delivery Saturday, 12/23/23 through Tuesday, 12/26/23 or Saturday, 12/30/23 through Monday, 01/01/24. Specimens should be stored at 2ºC – 8ºC until shipping is possible.
  • All other specimens will be tested on Wednesday, 12/27/2023.

Tuberculosis (TB) Specimens:

  • Critical specimens for AFB Smear and NAA testing must be received by 8:30 a.m., Thursday, 12/21/2023 for expedited AFB Smear and NAA test results before the Christmas holiday.

  • DO NOT ship specimens for delivery on Friday, 12/22/2023 through Tuesday, 12/26/2023.
    Refrigerate specimens collected during this period until shipping is possible.
  • Call (512) 776-7342 before 9:00 a.m., Friday, 12/22/2023 for expedited test requests.

Candida auris Swab Specimens:

  • Do not ship swabs for delivery on Friday, 12/22/2023 through Friday, 12/29/2023.

  • Swabs collected during this period must be refrigerated and shipped on cold packs for delivery when the Laboratory is open. Please remember that swabs must be received within 72 hours of collection.

Carbapenem Resistant Organisms Swab Specimens:

  • Do not collect or ship swabs from Thursday, 12/21/2023 through Monday, 12/25/2023.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Specimens:

Bacteriology Water Samples:

  • Will not be accepted at DSHS Laboratory from Friday, 12/22/2023 to Tuesday, 12/26/2023.

  • Will be accepted at DSHS Laboratory from Wednesday, 12/27/2023 to Thursday, 12/28/2023.
  • Will not be accepted at DSHS Laboratory from Friday, 12/29/2023 to Monday, 01/01/2024.
  • Water samples acceptance schedule will resume normal operations Tuesday, 01/02/2024.

All Other Microbiology Specimens or Samples:

  • Do not ship specimens for delivery between Saturday, 12/23/2023 and Tuesday, 12/26/2023. Store specimens collected during this time at an appropriate temperature (e.g., -70°C) or below for clinical virology samples.

  • No tests will be performed from Saturday, 12/23/2023 to Tuesday, 12/26/2023.

Ordering Laboratory Supplies:

Newborn Screening Medicaid/Paid Card Order Requests

  • Priority overnight shipping requests received Thursday, 12/21/2023 will be processed and shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight.

  • All requests received before 12:00 p.m. on Friday, 12/22/2023 will be processed and shipped via FedEx Ground.
  • Requests received after 12:00 p.m. on Friday 12/22/2023 through Tuesday 12/26/2023 will be sent on Wednesday 12/27/2023.

Texas Health Steps/PKU/TB/HIV/C. auris/CRO/GC AST Courier Supply Order Requests

  • All requests received on Thursday 12 /21/2023 will be audited, issued, and shipped via FedEx Ground.
  • Requests received on Friday 12/22/2023 will be audited, issued, and shipped via FedEx Ground on Wednesday 12/27/2023.
  • Requests received on Friday 12/29/2023 will be audited, issued, and shipped on Tuesday 01/02/2024 via FedEx Ground.

***Per FedEx website, FedEx Ground will be closed Saturday 12/23/2023 through Monday 12/25/2023. FedEx Ground will also be closed Saturday 12/30/2023 through Monday 01/01/2024.***

Questions?

Newborn Screening General Inquiries: (512) 776-7333

Microbiology General Inquiries: (512) 776-7599

Clinical Chemistry General Inquiries: (512) 776-6236

Newborn Screening: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov

Clinical Chemistry: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov

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

Texas AR Lab Network: TexasARLN@dshs.texas.gov

Specimen Submission: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov

Container Preparation:  (512) 776-7672; ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov

Posted December 13, 2023

DSHS Austin Laboratory Thanksgiving Holiday Closure Reminder

With the exception of Newborn Screening and Rabies testing, the DSHS Austin Laboratory will be closed, and no testing will occur Thursday, 11/23/2023 through Saturday, 11/25/2023. The DSHS Laboratory is completely closed on Sundays. Testing services will resume as normal, Monday, 11/27/2023.
See below for more details on selected testing.

Newborn Screening (NBS)

  • The Newborn Screening Laboratory will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday 11/23/2023 and will resume testing on Friday, 11/24/2023.
  • DO NOT DELAY collection or shipment of newborn screening specimens.
  • Ship dried specimens within 24 hours of collection. If mail or courier services are unavailable, ship as soon as possible. 
  • DSHS recommends shipping specimens using an overnight or trackable service like USPS priority mail, FedEx, and UPS.

Clinical Chemistry

  • Total hemoglobin, lead, glucose, and lipid/cholesterol specimens must be received by Wednesday, 11/22/2023 to complete testing before the holiday closure.
  • DO NOT ship cholesterol, lipid profile, or glucose specimens on Fridays or on the day before a state-observed holiday.

Microbiology

Rabies Specimens:

  • Rabies specimens received after 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, 11/22/2023 will be tested Friday, 11/24/2023. Submitters will be notified of positive results by 12:00 p.m. Friday. All other results will be available Monday 11/27/2023.

  • Emergency testing will be available Friday, 11/24/2023 and Saturday, 11/25/2023 only by prior arrangement with Rabies testing staff. Call (512) 776-7595 before 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, 11/22/2023 to discuss. Specimen receipt must be guaranteed by 8:00 a.m. the morning of testing. Preliminary results will be called out as soon as emergency testing is completed. Final results will be available Monday 11/27/2023.
  • All other specimens will be tested on Monday, 11/27/2023, and results will be available by 5:00 p.m.

Tuberculosis (TB) Specimens:

  • Do not ship specimens for delivery between Wednesday, 11/22/2023 and Saturday, 11/25/2023. Refrigerate specimens collected during this period until shipping is possible.
  • Ensure critical AFB Smear and NAA for M. tuberculosis specimens are delivered by 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, 11/22/2023. 
  • Call (512) 776-7342 before 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 11/22/2023 for expedited test requests.

Candida auris Swab Specimens:

  • Do not ship swabs for delivery from Wednesday, 11/22/2023 to Saturday, 11/24/2023.

Swabs collected during this period must be refrigerated and shipped on cold packs for delivery when Laboratory is open.

Carbapenem Resistant Organisms Swab Specimens:

  • Do not collect or ship swabs from Tuesday, 11/21/2023 to Saturday, 11/24/2023.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Specimens:

  • Do not collect or ship swabs from Tuesday, 11/21/2023 to Saturday, 11/24/2023.

Bacteriology Water Samples:

  • Water samples will not be accepted at DSHS Laboratory from Wednesday, 11/22/2023 to Saturday, 11/25/2023.

All Other Microbiology Specimens or Samples:

  • Do not ship specimens for delivery between Thursday, 11/23/2023 and Saturday, 11/25/2023. Store specimens collected during this time at an appropriate temperature, e.g. -70°C, or below for clinical virology samples. 
  • No tests will be performed from Thursday, 11/23/2023 to Saturday, 11/25/2023.

Ordering Laboratory Supplies:

Newborn Screening Medicaid/Paid Card Order Requests

  • Priority overnight shipping requests received on Wednesday 11/22/2023 will be processed and shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight.
  • All requests received before noon Wednesday 11/22/2023 will be processed and shipped via FedEx Ground.
  • Requests received after noon Wednesday 11/22/2023 through Saturday 11/25/2023 will be sent Monday, 11/27/2023.

Texas Health Steps/PKU/TB/HIV/Courier Supply Order Requests

  • All requests received on Wednesday 11/22/2023 will be audited, issued, and shipped via FedEx Ground.
  • Requests received before 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday 11/22/2023 will be audited, issued, and shipped via FedEx Ground Wednesday afternoon, 11/22/23.
  • Requests received after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday 11/22/2023 through Sunday 11/26/2023 will be audited, issued, and shipped on Monday 11/27/2023 via FedEx Ground.

***Per FedEx website, FedEx Ground will be closed Thursday 11/23/2023 but will deliver packages Friday 11/24/2023.***

Questions?

Newborn Screening General Inquiries: (512) 776-7333
Microbiology General Inquiries: (512) 776-7599
Clinical Chemistry General Inquiries: (512) 776-6236

Newborn Screening:    NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov
Clinical Chemistry:    ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov
Microbiology Branch:         Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov
Specimen Submission:     LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov
Container Preparation:     ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov 

Posted November 9, 2023

DSHS Public Health Laboratory Division has revised Newborn Screening Laboratory Testing Fees

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory Division has revised newborn screening laboratory testing fees to meet business needs. This revision takes effect January 1, 2024.

The cost of PAID newborn screening (NBS) kits will be increased by 8% (from $63.55 to $68.63). Paid NBS kits, ordered on or after January 1, 2024, would be billed at the new price of $68.63. To view complete details, please visit the DSHS Laboratory’s Fee Schedule webpage.

Posted October 18, 2023

DSHS Austin Laboratory Creatinine Testing Discontinued

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Austin Laboratory discontinued creatinine testing on September 1, 2023.  To view other test menu changes, please visit the DSHS Austin Laboratory Fee Schedule.

For Clinical Chemistry questions or comments:
Call: 1-888-963-7111 ext. 6236    For local calls: 512-776-6236 or 
Email:  clinicalchemistry@dshs.texas.gov
 

Posted September 27, 2023

****Effective Immediately****
Measles IgM Testing Information

Due to delays in the manufacture of Measles IgM EIA kits, the DSHS Laboratory is temporarily unable to perform Measles IgM testing. During this time, all specimens received at DSHS Laboratory requesting this test will be forwarded to Quest Diagnostics laboratory for processing.

Measles IgM test results will continue to be reported from DSHS Laboratory but will include an additional attached report displaying the Quest results.

Please continue to submit specimens for Measles IgM testing to DSHS Laboratory following specimen submission requirements.

DSHS Laboratory anticipates the Measles IgM EIA kits will be available again no later than March 2024. The Laboratory will release a follow-up notification when the issue is resolved.

Questions or Comments?

Call toll-free: 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7760

Call Local: 512-776-7760

Email: Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov

Posted Sep 21, 2023

NBS Web Application (Neometrics) will be Unavailable from 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023

IT will be performing network maintenance starting at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, 2023, to
6:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

During this time, the DSHS Newborn Screening Web Application (Neometrics) will be unavailable.

Need help?
Contact DSHS Laboratory:
Phone: 1-888- 963-7111 ext. 7318 or Locally: 512-776-7318
Email Newborn Screening: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov

Posted August 22, 2023

DSHS Austin Laboratory Bacteriology Water Samples

Water samples will NOT be accepted for testing on Monday 7/3/2023 and Tuesday 7/4/2023.

The Laboratory will resume normal operating hours for accepting bacteriological water samples on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

After July 5th, water samples will be accepted 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

Call 512-776-7598 with any questions.

Posted June 27, 2023

Proposed Fee Schedule Changes for Austin and South Texas Laboratories

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory Services Section (LSS) is revising laboratory testing and fees to meet business needs, with the exception of newborn screening (NBS) fees. These revisions are proposed to take effect September 1, 2023. Stakeholders may submit comments until August 31, 2023.

DSHS anticipates increases to the fee for newborn screening beginning January 1, 2024. The purpose of this increase will be to support increased costs for operations and is not for the addition of any new conditions to the DSHS newborn screening panel. DSHS will provide further details on this expected change in fall 2023.

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

Posted June 2, 2023

2023 Annual DSHS Laboratory Customer Service Survey

A message from Grace Kubin, Ph.D., Director, DSHS Laboratory Services Section.

Your feedback is very important! Each year, the DSHS Laboratory initiates 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. This year, we are providing a summary of last year’s (2022 survey) results and changes initiated in response to your feedback found on the Laboratory Services Section website here: Laboratory Customer Service Survey.

I encourage you to take the 2023 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.

 2023 Laboratory Customer Service Survey.

**Feedback will be collected until June 30, 2023**

Posted June 1, 2023

DSHS Laboratory Updates for February 2, 2023

The DSHS Laboratory will resume operations on February 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

All samples will be processed as soon as possible once operations resume. However, samples 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 DSHS Laboratory:
Email: labinfo@dshs.texas.gov 
Email Microbiology: Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov
Email Newborn Screening: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov
Email Clinical Chemistry: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov
 

Posted February 1, 2023

DSHS Laboratory Closure Due to Inclement Weather

Inclement weather in Austin and other parts of Texas may cause a delay of testing at the Department of State Health Services Laboratory.

  • The DSHS Laboratory will be closed on Wednesday, February 01, 2023, due to inclement weather in the Austin area.
  • Please continue to ship all samples per regular guidelines.
  • Courier services may experience delays due to the weather. Please check your courier for local service alerts.
  • All samples will be processed as soon as possible after resumption of normal operations. However, samples 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 DSHS Laboratory:
Email: labinfo@dshs.texas.gov 
Email Microbiology: Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov
Email Newborn Screening: NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov
Email Clinical Chemistry: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov

Re-Posted January 31, 2023

DSHS Laboratory Website Upgrade

The Texas Department of State Health Services Website has changed platforms. As a result of these changes, there may be missing or broken links. As we work through the remaining issues, we appreciate your patience. 

In the meantime, if there is any information or documents needed, please feel free to reach out to the appropriate department. 

Need help?
Contact DSHS Laboratory:
Newborn Screening Inquiries: (512) 776-7333
Microbiology Inquiries: (512) 776-7599
Clinical Chemistry Inquiries: (512) 776-6236
Newborn Screening:  NewbornScreeningLab@dshs.texas.gov
Clinical Chemistry:    ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov
Microbiology Branch:    Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov
Specimen Submission:  LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov
Container Preparation:  ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov 

Posted January 26, 2023