The Laboratory enforces the principles of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), which is a defined set of rules and criteria that ensure the reliability, reproducibility, and integrity of the lab tests we carry out. GLP informs the laboratory’s policies, licensure, and mission. Therefore, we reserve the right to withdraw testing services from a submitter in cases of misuse or improper specimen submission since reliable tests cannot be performed on incorrect, inadequate, or substandard specimens. Untestable specimens can lead to treatment delays for patients

NOTE:

• With the exception of rabies specimen submitters, all submitters MUST have a DSHS Submitter ID Account.
• The information provided on these pages is not a substitute for the training that submitters of infectious substances are required to take by law. 

Specimens   received with incomplete, incorrect, or missing submission forms cannot be tested. Laboratory staff will notify submitters of documentation issues and may call the submitter to resolve them. Submitters must address   the documentation issue with the staff member within a specified time period, otherwise the specimen will be rejected. 

Specimens of any type are determined to be unsatisfactory for testing and will be rejected if they: 

• Lack the minimum two patient identifiers, or if patient identifiers on the label do not match the specimen submission form. 
• Have a torn, crumpled or otherwise illegible label.
• Do not meet the minimum volume requirement for the requested test. 
• Are submitted on expired collection kits or media.
• Are collected from a site inappropriate for the requested test. 
• Leaked or spilled while in transit.
• Shipped inappropriately (i.e., not shipped according to applicable biological substance regulations or shipped at the wrong temperature).

With the exception of rabies specimen submitters, all submitters must have a DSHS Lab submitter ID account.

Setting Up a DSHS Laboratory Submitter Account

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 Lab 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.

• • Please allow 24–48 hours for account set up.

Submitting facilities may sign up for Remote Data System access by completing the provided Security and User Access Agreement forms. Please fax completed forms to 512-776-7533 or email to remotelabsupport@dshs.texas.gov. Attn: Remote Lab Support

• • Once facility information is verified, a new Remote Data System account is created, if requested.
  • Provider will have access to the test/results database after verification. More information about the laboratory’s remote data systems is available here. 

Updating Submitter Contact Information

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.

Existing submitters can update their contact information by completing a Submitter Identification (ID) Number Request Form; available here. Email the completed form to the Laboratory Reporting Branch at labinfo@dshs.texas.gov or fax it to 512-776-7533. 

Master copies of submission forms may be requested from the Laboratory’s Reporting Branch. Email LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov to request updated forms.

• Master copies of updated specimen submission forms with pre-populated submitter information are provided to new and active submitters of the DSHS Laboratory. 
• The DSHS Laboratory routinely updates specimen submission forms.
  • • Once you receive updated specimen submission forms, please replace and destroy older versions of the forms you may have.
  • Older versions of forms may be missing important information.
• If a specimen submission form is not updated, you may continue using the currently available version.

For more information on obtaining DSHS Laboratory Specimen Submission Forms, contact the DSHS Austin Laboratory Reporting Branch at

Email:   LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov

Phone: 512-776-7578, or 1-888-963-7111, Ext. 7578

Fax: 512-776-7533

NOTE: Watermarked sample DSHS submission forms are available on the DSHS Forms and Fee Schedule Page. These are for reference use only. Do not use watermarked submission forms to submit specimens.

Specimens submitted with watermarked sample forms will not be tested.

• Submit Specimens with the Correct Submission Form. Submission forms are test and organism specific. Refer to the appropriate test description page in the DSHS test menu to identify the required submission form.  
• Use Current Submission Forms. Older versions of submission forms may be missing important information. Request updated forms directly from the Lab Reporting Group.
• Complete All Required Fields in Submission Forms. Required fields are identified in every DSHS submission form. Ensure all required information is provided. Missing information causes delays in testing.
• Patient Identifiers in Submission Form and on Specimen MUST Match. Specimens with discrepancies between the identifiers on the specimen label and submission form cannot be tested.
• Provide One Form with Each Specimen. Every specimen must be submitted with its own submission form. Do not bundle specimens with a single submission form, even if they are from the same patient.  
• Do Not Use Watermarked Sample Submission Forms. Sample forms are for reference only. Specimens that arrive at the Laboratory with sample submission forms cannot be tested. Request submission forms from the Laboratory Reporting Group at LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov.

The patient identifiers on a submission form MUST exactly match the patient identifiers on the specimen. If they do not match, the Laboratory classifies the specimen as unsatisfactory for testing. Missing information and mismatches between information on specimens and submission forms can result in delays in patient treatment.

To improve legibility and minimize transcription mistakes, use block lettering when filling out forms by hand. Avoid using cursive script.

Section 1 is populated by DSHS Laboratory with submitting facility contact info.

Provide patient’s name, date of birth, sex, and address with zip code. 
Check “outbreak” or “surveillance” for notifiable conditions specimens (in Form G-2B). See clarification of this selection, below.
 

Provide the date and time of collection. Identify the type of specimen and from where the specimen was obtained.

Identify the specimen collection site. Select the requested test.

Provide the ordering doctor’s name and NPI number.

Identify who is paying for the test.

During outbreak investigations, your local or regional health department may request that you forward clinical specimens to the DSHS Laboratory for molecular analysis. Please identify these as outbreak specimens by selecting “Outbreak Association” in Section 2 of G-2B submission forms.

Surveillance specimens are ones your local or regional health department did not prompt or request you to submit to the Laboratory. They are not linked to an outbreak investigation. Identify surveillance specimens by selecting “Surveillance” in Section 2 of G-2B specimen submission forms.

The Following Information is Required on Forms, When Available

• Medicare or Medicaid Number (if the patient is Medicare or Medicaid eligible)
• Symptoms and Diagnosis Code(s) 
• Specimen Storage Temperature (provide when required)
• Submitter or Ordering Physician’s Texas Provider Identifier (TPI) Numbers (for Texas Health Steps Program Submissions only)

Questions about Specimen Submission Forms? Call the Laboratory Reporting Group at 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7578 or email: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov.

All required patient information fields (Section 2) must be completed by submitters

• Provide the patient’s date of birth.
• Provide the patient’s full address, including the zip code.
  Providing a zip code helps epidemiologists in investigating cases or outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• Do not obscure the patient information section with a label, even if it has patient identifiers on it.
• Instead, place labels in a portion of the submission form that is not being used.

Submitters must complete all required fields of specimen information (Section 3) in submission forms.

• Provide the specimen date of collection (DOC).
  • Do not put patient’s date of birth in the DOC field.
• Use MM/DD/YYYY format, i.e., 10/03/2024.
• Identify only one specimen source or type.
• Provide a unique ID number (MRN, Accession ID, etc.)

• Select only one test. Do not leave blank or mark two or more tests.
• Clearly mark the desired test. Ambiguous test selections will be rejected.

A Note on Selecting STI/HIV Tests on G-2A Submission Forms

Select either a screening test or a confirmation test on Form G-2A. Do not select both types of tests. Such errors require a follow-up call from the Laboratory to the submitter. When a submission form contains errors such as this one, the submitter must provide the Laboratory a corrected form before the specimen can be tested.

• Please do not select a screening and confirmation test on the same G-2A form.
  • Confirmation tests are reflexed after a positive screening result.

• Provide the ordering physician’s name and NPI, when available.
• Identify who is paying for the test.
• If Payor section is left blank, the submitter is automatically charged.

Printed labels must be scannable.

When completing labels and submission forms by hand:

• Ensure forms are clearly written and unambiguous.
• Use BLOCK lettering.
• Avoid cursive script.

Specimen label errors usually require a specimen recollect and resubmission.

Every Specimen Container or Kit MUST Have a Label Each specimen tube or specimen container (primary container) must have a label affixed directly to it. Labels Placing labels in the secondary container with the specimens is not acceptable.  

One Specimen, One Label Never affix one label to two or more specimens, even if they are identical, are from the same patient, or are being shipped together. The label can tear, which will compromise the ability to test all specimens involved.  

Specimen Labels Must be Legible Avoid using ballpoint pens or gel pens if filling out specimen labels by hand as the pen marks can become smeared or dissolve if a specimen leaks in transit. Use permanent, alcohol-resistant fine-tip markers to fill out patient details. Chemical-resistant, smudge-proof printed labels with barcodes are preferable to handwritten labels.

Printed Specimen Labels Must be Scannable Printed labels should be placed on specimen containers in such a way as to allow a label scanner to read the barcode. Labels that are too big, are wrinkled, or are used to seal the specimen shut compromise the ability to log them, which affects the ability to process the specimen properly.

Label Must Have AT LEAST Two Unique Patient Identifiers Three identifiers are preferred. Acceptable unique patient identifiers for specimens include, but are not limited to:

• Patient’s Name
• Patient’s Date of Birth
• Patient’s Medical Record Number
• Specimen Identification Number
• CDC Number
• Unique Random Number
• Medicaid Number
• Newborn Screening Kit Number

Note: Location-based identifiers are NOT acceptable (e.g., hospital room number or street address).

Patient names on specimen labels and in the submission forms must be identical. 

• If the name on the specimen label is shortened, abbreviated, or cut off, and is different to the name on the accompanying submission form, the specimen will not be tested. 

ACCEPTABLE

Every patient identifier on specimen label matches submission form exactly.

NOT ACCEPTABLE

• Name shortened and/or different to form.
• ID Number different to one in form.
• Minimum number of required or usable identifiers not provided.

Collect specimens according to specimen collection kit manufacturers guidance and testing requirements. Submitters are responsible for ensuring the:

• correct collection kit (per DSHS requirements) is used to collect the specimen,
• correct volume and specimen type is collected for the desired test, and
• media and/or collection kits used for specimens are not expired.

Specimens submitted on expired media/collection kits cannot be tested.

Guidance on collecting specimens for specific surveillance programs is available on the relevant testing laboratory’s webpage, such as the TB Elimination program, the Arbovirus Surveillance Program, the Rabies Testing program, and the potable (drinking) water testing specimen collection guidance pages. The DSHS LTSM test pages also provide additional and specific specimen collection and handling information.  

• Microbiology specimen submission Job Aids, which have more submission details, are available here.
• Additional details for specimen collection and handling for the Texas Health Steps program are available here.
• Newborn Screening Program specimen collection and submission guidance is available here.

Pack and ship all specimens to comply with government regulations.

All CDC referral specimens should be submitted to the DSHS Austin Laboratory with all information that is required for testing by CDC. Providers should not submit specimens directly to CDC unless they received prior approval from CDC to do so. For time-sensitive cases, please contact the appropriate testing laboratory for guidance. Please also refer to the DSHS Lab Test menu for additional guidance on submitting CDC reference specimens to the Laboratory.

Serum and Plasma Specimens

• Serum and plasma specimens are accepted in serum tubes (Red Top tubes) and serum separator tubes with clot activator (Gold, or Red Gray “Tiger” or “Speckle” Top Tubes). Specimen tube type and handling instructions differ depending on the test/assay type. For more details, please refer to the test description in the appropriate Lab Tests page. Ensure tubes are fully inverted at least 8 to 10 times to facilitate proper clotting or mixing.

• Store serum and plasma cold at 2°C–8°C for up to five days. 
• Serum and plasma may also be stored frozen at -20°C or colder for up to 60 days.
  • Never freeze serum in separator tubes. 
• Ensure the specimens are packed with enough frozen ice packs or dry ice to keep them cold or frozen while being transported to the Laboratory.

Whole blood specimens are accepted in serum tubes (Red Top) tubes, serum separator tubes with clot activator (Gold, or Red Gray “Tiger” or “Speckle” Top) tubes and EDTA anticoagulant (Lavender Top) tubes. Specimen tube type and handling instructions differ depending on the test/assay type. For more details, please refer to the test description in the appropriate Lab Tests page.

• Ensure tubes are fully inverted at least 8 to 10 times to facilitate proper clotting or mixing.
• Store whole blood specimens cold at 2°C–8°C for up to five days. 
  • Never freeze whole blood specimens.

• Ensure blood specimens are packed with enough frozen ice packs to keep them cold while being transported to the Laboratory.
  • Do not let whole blood specimen containers be in direct contact with frozen ice packs. Doing so increases the chance of hemolysis.

• Serum and plasma specimens are accepted in serum tubes (Red Top tubes) and serum separator tubes with clot activator (Gold, or Red Gray “Tiger” or “Speckle” Top Tubes). Specimen tube type and handling instructions differ depending on the test/assay type. For more details, please refer to the test description in the appropriate Lab Tests page. Ensure tubes are fully inverted at least 8 to 10 times to facilitate proper clotting or mixing.

• Store serum and plasma cold at 2°C–8°C for up to five days.
• Serum and plasma may also be stored frozen at -20°C or colder for up to 60 days.
  • Never freeze serum in separator tubes.
• Ensure the specimens are packed with enough frozen ice packs or dry ice to keep them cold or frozen while being transported to the Laboratory.

Ensure sputum specimens are collected from deep portions of the lungs. Often saliva only is submitted, and this is usually unsatisfactory for testing. Approximately 5 mL of sputum is preferred.

The DSHS Austin Laboratory provides reference and primary culturing work in mycobacteriology from submitted sputum samples. For more information on mycobacteriology test requirements, please refer to the Mycobacteriology Lab webpage and the DSHS LTSM Lab Tests list.

Only certain swab types are accepted at the DSHS Laboratory. Please ensure swabs are appropriate for the requested test. For example, swabs with wooden shafts and/or cotton tips are unsuitable for PCR tests as the genetic material in the wood and cotton interferes with the amplification process. 

• Dacron and polyester swabs are generally accepted.

Instructions for the collection of Candida auris swabs for colonization testing are on the Laboratory’s Antibiotic Resistance Lab Network webpage. 

Storage and shipping temperatures of swabs depend on the specimen type. For more information on specific swab requirements, refer to the test’s collection requirements provided in the DSHS LTSM Lab Tests List. 

The Parasitology Laboratory accepts fecal specimens in Ova and Parasite (O&P) kits with 10% formalin and LV-PVA.

• Stool specimens must be adequately mixed in fixative.
• A minimum volume of 5 ml is required.
• Avoid overfilling specimen containers.
• Ensure collection kits are not expired. 

Raw stool specimens are not accepted for parasitology testing.

For more information on suitable parasitology specimen types, check out the Parasitology Laboratory’s webpage and the DSHS LTSM test menu.

Call the Parasitology Team at 512-776-7560 to arrange for reference testing of stool specimens.

Stool specimens for DNA or RNA detection testing should not be chemically preserved unless acceptable for the test type. Fresh, unpreserved stool is generally preferred for the detection of genetic material. Specimens may be refrigerated between 2°C–8°C or frozen at -20°C from the time of collection to the time of receipt at the Laboratory. Pack enough frozen ice packs or dry ice to keep the specimens cold or frozen during shipping. Raw stool specimens that arrive at ambient temperature cannot be tested.

• Ship raw stool specimens cold or frozen Minimum volume of 400 μL stool is required, but more is preferred.
  • 400 μL is about the volume of two green peas.

Stool specimens in transport media (such as Cary-Blair) are accepted for diagnostic testing.

Most diagnostic stool specimens must be stored and shipped cold. Do not freeze. Note that specimens for Vibrio testing must be shipped ambient.

Since 11/01/2024, stool specimens submitted in Cary-Blair transport media are acceptable for norovirus molecular analysis.

Mosquitoes may be stored ambient until shipping. Submitters should use the mosquito shipping materials provided by the Laboratory to submit mosquitoes. These materials help maintain a cool and humid environment during the shipping process.

Please call the Arbovirus Surveillance Program phone number for mosquito submission requirements. Participation in the Arbovirus Surveillance Program is dependent on adhering to correct shipping procedures. More details about the program, collection recommendations, and shipping procedures are available on the DSHS Arbovirus Surveillance Program webpage. 
Call the Arbovirus Surveillance Program at 512-776-2442; 888-963-7111 ext. 2442 toll-free

The DSHS Laboratory recommends submitters deliver rabies specimens by hand to the Laboratory. Specimens may also be shipped to the Laboratory by courier (such as FedEx or UPS). The Laboratory discourages shipping rabies specimens via USPS.

IMPORTANT: Specimens must be delivered to the Laboratory Specimen Receiving Bay. Do not drop rabies specimens off at the Laboratory Security Desk or leave by Laboratory doorways.

Detailed guidance on shipping and delivering rabies specimens are on the Rabies Testing webpage. A downloadable and printable rabies specimen submission tutorial is available on the DSHS Laboratory Specimen Submission Job Aid page, here.

NOTE: State law requires submitters first notify the Rabies Laboratory of their specimen submission by telephone or email at the time of shipping specimen(s)

Toll-free Rabies Notification Number:  1-800-252-8163

Peripheral blood smears are accepted for morphological examination/malaria testing. They should be prepared as soon as possible after blood collection. At least two thick and two thin smears are required for submission. Step-by-step guidance on how to prepare blood smears available at CDC - DPDx - Diagnostic Procedures - Blood Specimens.

• Store and ship peripheral blood smears at ambient temperatures.
• Smears may also be submitted cold with EDTA whole blood specimens.

DSHS collaborates with CDC in several surveillance programs such as CryptoNet,  Cyclospora genotyping, and CaliciNet (for the collection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Noroviruses, respectively). The DSHS highly encourages clinical laboratories and other providers to submit positive specimens of these surveillance conditions to the DSHS Laboratory for molecular analysis. This information can be valuable to the Laboratory and DSHS epidemiologists in linking cases during outbreak investigations.

The DSHS Laboratory provides water sample containers to members of the public upon request. Depending on the availability of funding, health surveillance programs identified as public health priorities may provide collection and shipping supplies to healthcare providers who are DSHS Laboratory submitters free of charge. 

Specimen collection kits and shipping supplies are available for tests for organisms of public health significance. The Laboratory does not provide collection kits for testing at private clinical or reference laboratories. Kits provided by the DSHS Laboratory should not be submitted to private clinical or reference laboratories.

• Providers must have an up-to-date submitter ID and account with the DSHS Laboratory to order supplies. 
• Order collection kits and mailers for influenza, TB, gonorrhea, and chlamydia testing by submitting the appropriate order form to the DSHS Container Preparation Group.
  • Call 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7661 or 512-776-7661, or email  ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.state.tx.us to order kits.
• Order forms for specimen collection supplies are available online here. 
• Refer to the Laboratory Testing Service Manual (LTSM) for a more complete list of the clinical tests carried out at the laboratory.
• Specimen collection kits and mailing containers for gonorrhea susceptibility testing and Candida auris colonization testing are available from the DSHS Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory. Email TexasARLN@dshs.texas.gov with questions and orders for supplies.

Complete the appropriate supply order form by specifying the total number of kits/containers needed by your facility. Order enough supplies to last 1–3 months. Orders may be faxed to 512-776-7672.

Orders will be shipped within five business days of receipt of the order form. 

Note: 

• Supply order forms are routinely updated. Use the most recent versions of the supply order forms when ordering supplies.
• Orders received on old forms cannot be processed.
• Providers must have an up-to-date submitter ID and account with DSHS Laboratory to order supplies

Water Sampling Containers

Members of the public may request sterile water collection containers from the Laboratory’s Specimen Acquisition Branch by calling 512-776-7598. Containers can be mailed to the requestor’s home address. People may also request water collection bottles in person at the Specimen Receiving dock of the Austin DSHS Laboratory during regular business hours (Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The dock is accessible from Grover Street, shown in the DSHS Central Complex campus map. A G-19 Water Bacteriology submission form and instructions on how to collect a water sample are provided with the container.

Collection containers are the property of the State of Texas and should be used for shipping specimens to the DSHS Laboratory only. The mailing containers and labels meet current Department of Transportation (DOT) and United States Postal Service (USPS) regulations for shipping Biological Substance, Category B, UN3373. 

The DSHS Laboratory provides blood collection tubes only to submitters who are under contract with the Laboratory, or who are eligible under the Texas Health Steps (THSteps) Program. Physicians and other providers should have their own supply of vacuum tubes for blood specimen collection for serological testing. Blood collection tubes may either be serum tubes, silicon-coated (red-top tubes), or serum separator tubes with clot activator and gel for serum separation (Red-Gray, “Speckle” or “Tiger”-top tubes). 

• Refer to the Clinical Chemistry Testing Services webpages for additional information about the THSteps program.

Prepaid air bills are provided to enrolled Texas Health Steps (THSteps) providers for shipping cholesterol, lipid profile, or glucose specimens that are part of the THSteps medical checkup. USPS postage and mailing containers are also provided for THSteps providers to submit blood lead and hemoglobin specimens for testing.  Providers must pay the shipping costs of the courier of their choice for non-THSteps cholesterol, lipid profile, and glucose specimens.

• Additional information about enrolling in the THSteps program and ordering THSteps shipping containers can be found on the THSteps Specimen Collection and Handling webpage.
• Shipping containers for cold shipments are available upon request; call 512-776-7661 or toll-free 888-963-7111, extension 7661. 
• For questions about Medical Screening Unit programs (THSteps, NBS), contact: 512-776-6236 or toll-free 1-888-963-7111, extension 6236.

The DSHS TB Elimination Program provides patient self-collection specimen collection kits, and mailers upon request. Please note that on occasion, the hard-sided custom liner tubes provided by the TB Elimination Program may be replaced with 95kPa biohazard bags.  

Public health regions (PHRs) and the DSHS-contracted Local Health Department (LHD) TB programs may order free specimen shipping boxes from the DSHS TB and Hansen’s Disease Branch (TB Branch). These supplies should not be used to ship specimens for other programs such as the Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network or the Newborn Screening Program.

PHRs and LHDs must first set up a courier account with the DSHS TB and Hansen’s Disease Branch (TB Branch) to ship Branch-approved specimens to DSHS laboratories and other DSHS-contracted laboratories using FedEx. Please refer to the Mycobacteriology Lab’s supply ordering webpage for more details. 

The DSHS Laboratory provides both collection containers and shipping boxes for mosquito testing for arbovirus surveillance purposes. Careful handling and shipping of live mosquito specimens is essential. Mosquito shipping boxes are reusable and can be reused many times.

Order mosquito surveillance containers from the Laboratory Specimen Acquisition Branch by calling 512-776-7598.  Submitters need to provide a refrigerant such as a sealed container with ice to keep the specimens cool.

Questions about the appropriateness of specimen shipping containers can be directed to the Specimen Acquisition Branch at 512-776-7598.

Healthcare providers may obtain newborn screening (NBS) collection kits by completing a Newborn Screening Supplies Order Form and faxing it to the Container Preparation Group at 512-776-7672. Access a downloadable, current version of the order form. The NBS order form is updated periodically, so ensure you submit your order on a current form.
Orders submitted on old forms cannot be processed. Avoid delays in order fulfillment by using current order forms.

More details on ordering NBS collection and mailing supplies may be found on the NBS webpage under NBS Specimen Collection and Supply information.  If you have questions about ordering NBS supplies, call (512) 776-2437.

The DSHS Laboratory makes every effort to process and test specimens as quickly as possible. However, we do not sacrifice accuracy for speed. Turnaround time (TAT) is an important indicator of our Quality Assurance program. The TATs for each test are listed along with the test descriptions in the DSHS Laboratory Testing Menu. Test results are provided to the submitter only.

Note: Due to the DSHS Laboratory’s accreditation regulations, the Laboratory does not provide test results/reports to submitters for surveillance specimens. (Surveillance specimens are specimens that are not used to make medical decisions for a patient.)

The Laboratory provides reports to submitters by fax, by mail, and through the DSHS Results Web Portal. The results Web Portal offers quicker access to results than fax or mail.

The DSHS Laboratory Online/Web Portal access allows users: 

• rapid access to test results, and 
• to search for missing patient reports.

Providers must have a DSHS submitter account to enroll for web portal access. For more details about the DSHS Results Web Portal, visit the DSHS Remote Data Systems webpage.

Please consider the following before calling the Laboratory about the availability of test results and/or reports:

• Laboratory results are given only to the original submitter.
• Once the specimen is received at the Laboratory, most testing will be completed in one to three days.
  • Newborn screening tests take three to five days.
• Some test procedures are batched and run on specific days of the week. Please refer to the appropriate test information in the DSHS Laboratory Testing Menu. 
• Confirmation of findings in certain bacteriological tests may require a short delay in reporting results.
• If specimens must go to another reference laboratory, the report will be delayed for a minimum of two weeks.

If reference services are required but are not provided at the DSHS Laboratory, the Laboratory forwards the specimens to CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, or to Ft. Collins, Colorado. When a particular test is available only at CDC, submitters should submit the specimen to the DSHS Laboratory with a completed DSHS submission form with the required patient history, to the DSHS Laboratory for forwarding to CDC. To prevent delays, ensure the information required for CDC referrals is provided on the DSHS specimen submission form. 

Ordering Specimen Collection and Shipping Containers:

Email: ContainerPrepGroup@dshs.texas.gov

Telephone: 512-776-7661

Inquiries about Specimen Handling, Storage, and Shipping:

Telephone: 512-776-7598 or 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7578 (toll free)

Questions About Submitter Accounts/Test Results/Laboratory Reporting: 

Email: LabInfo@dshs.texas.gov; RemoteLabSupport@dshs.texas.gov
Telephone: 512-776-7578

Fax: 512-776-7533

Laboratory Mailing Address:

Texas Department of State Health Services 

Public Health Laboratory Division 

1100 W. 49^th Street, MC 1947

Austin, TX 78756