Q: How can I find out if the Laboratory Services Section performs a specific test?
A: Refer to the Laboratory Services Section's Manual of Reference Services, Disease or Agent.

Q: What tube do I use for a specific specimen?
A: Refer to the Laboratory Services Section's Manual of Reference Services, Disease or Agent, or call the Laboratory (512) 458-7318.

Q: If I have a complaint about a hospital or laboratory, who do I contact?
A: Refer to the TDSHS Home Page, Health Facility Licensure.

Q: What is the the price for testing a specific specimen?
A: Contact the Laboratory Services Section, Accounts Receivable at (512) 458-7317.

Q: How can I dispose of chemicals or hazardous waste?
A: If the inquiry is from a TDSHS employee, contact the Laboratory Safety Office (512) 458-7318. If the inquiry is from someone outside TDSHS, contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Q: I have questions about CLIA regulations for laboratories. Who do I contact?
A: Contact the Health Facility Compliance Division, (512) 834-6650 or visit the CLIA web page.

Q: Who do I contact about a bill I received from the Laboratory Services Section regarding water or medical testing?
A: Contact the Laboratory Services Section, Accounts Receivable at (512) 458-7317.

Q: For what purposes does the Laboratory Services Section certify or approve laboratories?
A: The Quality Control Unit certifies laboratories for the bacteriological examination of water, the examination of Grade A milk and milk products, and the examination of molluskan shellfish and seawaters. The Unit approves laboratories that screen bulk raw milk for the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics. Refer to the TDSHS Home Page Licenses/Certifications for other TDSHS licenses or certifications.

Q: How can I obtain a PDF copy of the Laboratory Services Section Manual of Reference Services?
A: You can click this link for the Lab's Manual of Reference Services in PDF format  
(2780 k,  viewing information) , or call the Business Office at (512) 458-7318.

Q: Who do I contact for assistance regarding the procedure for NBS (Newborn Screening) specimen collection on filter paper?
A: Refer to instructions on the NBS forms, to the Texas Newborn Screening Program Practitioner's Guide*, or visit "The Collection of Newborn Screening Specimens"  web page. 

*This guide is available from NBS Case Management, 1-800-252-8023.

Q: How do I find out what I need to do for an abnormal Newborn Screening result?
A: Contact Newborn Screening Case Management,  1-800-252-8023. A brief explanation of requests for rescreening is found on the Collection of Screening Specimens page of the Newborn Screening Practitioner's Guide.

Q: I received a form from the Laboratory Services Section marked "could not be tested because the specimen had clotted or was not collected correctly." Who can I contact?
A: If the specimen is blood, call Clinical Chemistry (512) 458-7680 for an explanation and check out our web page on Tips for Successful Specimen Collection.