A: You need to have a DSHS submitter account to submit specimens to the Laboratory. New submitters can set up an account by completing the required fields in a DSHS Lab Submitter Identification (ID) Number Request Form; available here. Email the completed form to labinfo@dshs.texas.gov or fax it to 512-776-7533. 

Once a facility’s information is verified, a Laboratory Reporting team member creates a submitter ID account and emails a submitter ID number, a supply order form, and Remote Data System use forms to the facility’s point of contact. Allow 24–48 hours for account set up.

If your contact information with the Laboratory is outdated, you can update it by submitting a completed Submitter Identification (ID) Number Request Form and sending it to the Laboratory Reporting group at  labinfo@dshs.texas.gov or fax it to 512-776-7533.

Laboratory employees cannot update or change submitter contact information in the Lab’s data management and reporting systems. All changes/updates must be initiated by the submitter.

Duplicate specimens are specimens that are taken from the same site on the same patient within a 6-month period. Duplicate clinical and isolate specimens may be received but not be tested by the WGS laboratory due to CDC and epidemiological surveillance requirements.

• Specimens received that are determined to be duplicates will not be sequenced and submitter will not receive a results report. 
• Exceptions include specimens obtained from different sources on the same patient.
• Please email the Genetic Sequencing Branch at wgs.dshs@dshs.texas.gov, or call (512) 776-6614.