This page provides information about ARLN Frequently Asked Questions .
To avoid compromising specimen integrity, please refrain from batching specimens before shipping to the state laboratory. Please submit isolates as soon as possible after collection and/or identification.
What are the criteria for duplicate Isolate Submissions?
AR isolates that are identical to recent submissions do not need to be submitted again to the state laboratory to save time and resources for both the laboratory and the submitter.
Put the facility the specimen was collected at and the most relevant contact information for the facility. The AR Laboratory will reach out to this contact to confirm patient information and/or provide this information to other DSHS teams to notify local health departments and public health providers of results.
Sometimes, the location where the specimen was collected is different from the submitter detailed in Section 1. Section 7 allows this distinction to be made so that we can quickly contact the most relevant individual.
Here are a few examples of how Section 7 may be used for contact tracing and follow-up:
For ARLN activities, such as GC AST and WGS of AR organisms, select box “Other” and write “CDC Special Project (14)” on the blank line.
Colonization screening supplies are provided after the colonization screening has been scheduled. A DSHS HAI Epidemiologist will coordinate distribution of supplies.
Currently, we do not offer admission or discharge screenings for CRE, CRPA, CRAB, or Candida auris.
GC AST testing supplies are provided by the AR Laboratory as resources are available. Call (512) 776-7582 or email TexasARLN@dshs.texas.gov to request GC swab collection kits.