Texas Department of State Health Services - Microbiology Lab Tests

Microbiology
Paracoccidioidomycosis (Culture - Isolation)
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Test Includes: Isolation of fungus and identification by morphological and physiological tests
Reporting
Results Available: 28-35 days	Contact #s: 512-458-7455 for prior approval Technical questions: 512-458-7586
Reference
Method: Slide culture; conversion at 37°C
Turnaround Time: 28 days	Reference Range: Negative
Limitations: Delay in transport of specimen could compromise isolation of organism.	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type: Clinical Specimen
Volume/Amount Required: 3 mL to 15 mL	Preferred Specimen: Tissue; Sputum
Collection/Preservation: No preservative	Storage Instructions: Transport specimen as soon as possible. If transport is delayed over one hour, refrigerate specimen.
Causes for Rejection: Specimens received frozen, in formalin, or in culture medium will be rejected. Swabs are discouraged unless the only specimen available; submit swabs in 5 mL sterile saline.	Sample Container: Triple-contained. Sterile, leak-proof, 50 mL conical tube preferred for primary container. Add up to 10 mL sterile saline to tissue if needed to maintain moisture during transport.
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Testing available upon approval by Dr. Penfield.
Diagnostic Information: Approval for this testing must be obtained prior to shipping by telephoning Dr. Susan Penfield at 512-458-7455.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Ambient acceptable but 2-8º C preferred for non-sterile specimens.	Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet requirements of DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA for shipping of clinical specimens.
Billing
CPT Code: 87101, 87102, 87103	Fees:

Microbiology
Paracoccidioidomycosis (Culture - Identification)
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Test Includes: Identification of fungus by morphological and physiological tests
Reporting
Results Available: 21-28 days	Contact #s: 512-458-7586
Reference
Method: Slide Culture; conversion at 37° C
Turnaround Time: 21-28 days	Reference Range: By report
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Pure Culture
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Culture infested with mites	Sample Container: Triple-contained
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Tested 5 days/week: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information: Fungal isolates (pure culture) submitted to this Laboratory for definitive identification. Drug susceptibility testing on these organisms not available at TDSHS laboratory.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Room temperature	Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet rigorous performance tests as outlined in the DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA regulations for shipping of infectious substances.
Billing
CPT Code: 87101, 87102, 87103	Fees:

Microbiology
Paracoccidioidomycosis (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 3 weeks	Reference Range: Nonreactive
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system.	Interpretation: Nonreactive indicates that the patient does not have detectable antibody to the infectious agent. Reactive indicates that the patient has detectable antibody to the infectious agent, and depending on the clinical picture, may have a current or past infection.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Venipuncture	Sample Type: Serum
Volume/Amount Required: 10 mL whole blood	Preferred Specimen: Single Serum
Collection/Preservation: Red top or tiger top tube	Storage Instructions: Do not freeze or refrigerate whole blood. Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C
Causes for Rejection: Discrepancy between name on tube and name on form, insufficient quantity of serum for testing	Sample Container: Red top or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Prior notification is requested (512) 458-7760. A detailed patient history is required. Serum is sent to the CDC. CF titer parallels severity. Cross-reactions do occur. Precipitin bands denote past or present disease.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature for specimens on the blood clot, separated serum at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or -20°C (frozen).	Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice.
Billing
CPT Code: 86671	Fees:

Microbiology
Paragonimiasis (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available: 3 weeks	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 3 weeks	Reference Range: Nonreactive
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system.	Interpretation: Nonreactive indicates that the patient does not have detectable antibody to the infectious agent. Reactive indicates that the patient has detectable antibody to the infectious agent, and depending on the clinical picture, may have a current or past infection.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Venipuncture	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: 10 mL whole blood	Preferred Specimen: Single Serum
Collection/Preservation: Red top or tiger top tube	Storage Instructions: Do not freeze or refrigerate whole blood. Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C
Causes for Rejection: Discrepancy between name on tube and name on form, insufficient quantity of serum for testing	Sample Container: Red top or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Prior notification is requested (512) 458-7760. A detailed patient history is required. Serum is sent to the CDC.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature for specimens on the blood clot, separated serum at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or -20°C (frozen).	Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice.
Billing
CPT Code: 86682	Fees:

Microbiology
Paragonimiasis (Microscopic – Direct Wet Smears Concentration)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 3 days	Reference Range:
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Feces
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Fecal specimens must be sent in formalin. Adult flukes must be sent in ethyl alcohol. Referred material accepted from hospital, private, and reference labs.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Ambient (Room) temperature	Shipping Requirements:
Billing
CPT Code: 87210	Fees:

Microbiology
Parainfluenza (Culture – Isolation)
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Test Includes: Cell culture
Reporting
Results Available: 5-14 days	Contact #s: 512-458-7594
Reference
Method: Cell Culture
Turnaround Time: 5-14 days	Reference Range: No virus isolated
Limitations:	Interpretation: A result of “No virus isolated” does not necessarily mean absence of a viral agent. The success of virus isolation depends a great deal on the submission of the proper specimen, collected at the right time, adequately maintained, and shipped with the least possible delay.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Specimens should be collected at an appropriate anatomic site and at the proper time after infection because viruses are generally shed for only a short period of time. Refer to Specimen Collection by Type table for additional instructions.	Sample Type: See preferred specimen.
Volume/Amount Required: Swabs in 2-4 mLs of viral transport media.	Preferred Specimen: Throat Swab; Nasopharyngeal Secretions
Collection/Preservation: Viral transport media.	Storage Instructions: Arriving < 48 hours after collection, store and send at 2-8° C. Arriving > 48 hours after collection, store and send at -70° C (dry ice).
Causes for Rejection: Specimens submitted on a preservative such as formalin.	Sample Container: Sterile container
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Monday - Friday
Diagnostic Information: Specimens are inoculated onto a variety of cell culture monolayers. If characteristic CPE or hemadsorption is observed, confirmation of identification will be performed.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Arriving <48 hours: 2-8°C Arriving >48 hours: send on dry ice	Shipping Requirements: Ship specimens in compliance with governmental regulations.
Billing
CPT Code: 87252	Fees:

Microbiology
Parainfluenza (Culture – Typing)
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Test Includes: Immunofluorescence
Reporting
Results Available: 5-14 days	Contact #s: 512-458-7594
Reference
Method: Immunofluorescence
Turnaround Time: 5-14 days	Reference Range: By report
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: If transporting on dry ice, send 1-2 mLs.	Preferred Specimen: Cell culture isolate with CPE.
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions: If shipment of isolate will be delayed, store at -70° C.
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container: Sterile cryovial.
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Monday - Friday
Diagnostic Information: Typing of clinical isolates is based on immunofluorescence tests using monoclonal antibodies to parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Frozen isolate: on dry ice	Shipping Requirements: Ship specimens in compliance with governmental regulations.
Billing
CPT Code: 87253	Fees:

Microbiology
PCR - Virulence Factors (Detection)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 7-11 days	Reference Range: By report
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Pure Culture, safely contained
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: PCR is performed at TDSHS for the virulence factor genes for detection of pathogenic Escherichia coli including heat stable and labile toxin, shiga toxin, invasion plasmid antigen, attaching and effacing gene and hemolysin. PCR may be performed from pure cultures or from original plating media used in stool screens. For typing see Escherichia coli 0157:H7 or other Shiga toxin E. coli Culture (Typing) For toxin testing see Escherichia coli 0157:H7 or other Shiga toxin E. coli (Toxin Testing).
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Ambient (Room) temperature	Shipping Requirements:
Billing
CPT Code:	Fees:

Microbiology
Penicilliosis (Culture - Isolation)
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Test Includes: Isolation of fungus and identification by morphological tests
Reporting
Results Available: 14-21 days	Contact #s: 512-458-7455 for prior approval Technical questions: 512-458-7586
Reference
Method: Slide culture
Turnaround Time: 14-21 days	Reference Range: Negative
Limitations: Delay in transport of specimen could compromise isolation of organism.	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type: Clinical Specimen
Volume/Amount Required: 3 mL to 15 mL	Preferred Specimen: Tissue; Sputum; Exudate
Collection/Preservation: No preservative	Storage Instructions: Transport specimen as soon as possible. If transport is delayed over one hour, refrigerate specimen.
Causes for Rejection: Specimens received frozen, in formalin, or in culture medium will be rejected. Swabs are discouraged unless the only specimen available; submit swabs in 5 mL sterile saline.	Sample Container: Triple-contained. Sterile, leak-proof, 50 mL conical tube preferred for primary container. Add up to 10 mL sterile saline to tissue if needed to maintain moisture during transport.
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Testing available upon approval by Dr. Penfield
Diagnostic Information: Approval for this testing must be obtained prior to shipping by telephoning Dr. Susan Penfield at 512-458-7455.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Ambient acceptable but 2-8º C preferred for non-sterile specimens.	Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet requirements of DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA for shipping of clinical specimens.
Billing
CPT Code: 87101, 87102, 87103	Fees:

Microbiology
Penicilliosis (Culture - Identification)
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Test Includes: Identification of fungus by morphological tests
Reporting
Results Available: 7-10 days	Contact #s: 512-458-7586
Reference
Method: Slide Culture
Turnaround Time: 7-10 days	Reference Range: By report
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Pure Culture
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container: Triple-contained
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Tested 5 days/week: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information: Fungal isolates (pure culture) submitted to this Laboratory for definitive identification. Drug susceptibility testing on these organisms not available at TDSHS laboratory.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Room temperature	Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet rigorous performance tests as outlined in the DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA regulations for shipping of infectious substances.
Billing
CPT Code: 87101, 87102, 87103	Fees:

Microbiology
Pertussis Culture (Identification)
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Test Includes: Conventional Biochemicals, PCR
Reporting
Results Available: Preliminary	Contact #s: (512) 458-7582
Reference
Method: Conventional biochemicals, PCR
Turnaround Time: 5-7 days	Reference Range: No B. pertussis isolated.
Limitations: B. pertussis has special growth requirements. Culture must be transported on appropriate media that supports growth.	Interpretation: Negative culture results indicate that there were no viable organisms consistent with B. pertussis in the specimen.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type: Pure culture
Volume/Amount Required: One specimen per patient	Preferred Specimen: Pure culture on appropriate media
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions: Ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: Name on tube/form do not match; broken in transport	Sample Container: Agar slant or deep in screw cap tube
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information: Submit suspected B. pertussis isolates on appropriate media such as Bordet-Gengou, Regan-Lowe, or BCYE agar. Positive PCR results will be called within 1 day of receipt. Please insure that telephone number and contact name is on submission form.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling: Infectious agent, Biosafety level 2.
Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature	Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents.
Billing
CPT Code: 87077	Fees:

Microbiology
PinwormSee also Enterobiasis
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Test Includes: Microscopic Examination
Reporting
Results Available: 3 days	Contact #s: (512) 458-7560
Reference
Method: Microscopic examination
Turnaround Time: 3 days	Reference Range: No pinworm eggs found
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: pinworm prep kits; taped slides	Sample Type: Pinworm prep kits, taped slides
Volume/Amount Required: 1 slide/kit per patient	Preferred Specimen: Pinworm prep kits, taped slides
Collection/Preservation: Using strip of clear cellulose tape sticky side outward on a microscope slide, press firmly against the perianal folds. The tape is then spread back over the slide adhesive side down. Ship in slide carrier. If using pinworm prep kit, following instructions given in kit.	Storage Instructions: ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: Frosted tape used;	Sample Container: slide carrier, pinworm prep kit.
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:See Enterobiasis
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling: Handle using universal percautions
Transport Temperature: ambient temperature	Shipping Requirements: Slide carriers, diagnostic specimen
Billing
CPT Code: 87172	Fees:

Microbiology
Plague Culture (Isolation)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 4-14 days	Reference Range: None isolated
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Lymph node aspirate; Blood; Sputum; Tissue; CSF
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Telephone Laboratory (512-458-7582) prior to shipping specimen. Cultures must be held for 14 days before reporting as negative. See Yersinia pestis. Yersinia pestis is one of the agents listed on the Bioterrorism agents list. See Bioterrorism agents (Clinical -Isolation)
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: <24 hrs, 2-8°C	Shipping Requirements:
Billing
CPT Code: 87040, 87045, 87070	Fees:

Microbiology
Plague Culture (Identification)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 4-7 days	Reference Range: By report
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Pure culture, safely contained
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Telephone Laboratory (512-458-7582) prior to shipping specimen. See Yersinia pestis. Yersinia pestis is one of the agents listed on the Bioterrorism agents list. See Bioterrorism agents (Referred -identification).
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Ambient (Room) temperature	Shipping Requirements:
Billing
CPT Code: 87077	Fees:

Microbiology
Plague (Serological - Hemagglutination)
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Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method: Hemagglutination
Turnaround Time: 5-7 days	Reference Range: <1:32 (Nonreactive)
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system.	Interpretation: Nonreactive indicates that the patient does not have detectable antibody to the infectious agent. Reactive indicates that the patient has detectable antibody to the infectious agent, and depending on the clinical picture, may have a current or past infection.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Venipuncture	Sample Type: Serum
Volume/Amount Required: 2 mL Serum	Preferred Specimen: Single Serum
Collection/Preservation: Red top or tiger top tube	Storage Instructions: Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C
Causes for Rejection: Discrepancy between name on tube and name on form, insufficient quantity of serum for testing	Sample Container: Red top or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Testing is done as requested
Diagnostic Information: The passive hemagglutination test is used to detect antibodies to Yersinia pestis. Plague serology tests have been based on the detection of antibody to whole cells and to the Y.pestis-specific F1 antigen. If a person or animal has been exposed to Y. pestis, a serum specimen taken at the proper time after exposure/infection will very likely contain anti-F1 antibodies. Confirmation of a reactive result is done using the passive hemagglutination inhibition (PHI) test. Antibody to the antigen is adsorbed out before adding the sensitized sheep red blood cells to the specimen. Agglutination of true positives in the PHI buffer will be inhibited because the free F1 antigen in the F1 buffer will react with anti-F1 and thus remove antibody that can react with the F1 bound to the sheep red blood cells.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Cold (2-8º C) on ice packs if received within 48 hours from time of collection. Frozen (≤-20°) on dry ice if received more than 48 hours from time of collection.	Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice.
Billing
CPT Code: 86793	Fees:

Microbiology
Pneumococcus
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Test Includes: Serological testing performed at the CDC with prior approval only.
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: Determined by CDC reports	Reference Range: By report
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type: Pure Culture
Volume/Amount Required: One specimen per isolate	Preferred Specimen: Pure culture, safely contained
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions: Ambient Temperature
Causes for Rejection: Nonviable, broken in transport	Sample Container: Agar slant in screw cap tube
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Monday - Thursday
Diagnostic Information: See Streptococcus pneumoniae (Culture - Typing) for serotyping of isolates. Serotyping is performed by CDC with prior permission and available only when suspected Vaccination failure or outbreak situation exists. Recurrent infections in a single individual must be approved by CDC before submission. For confirmation of organism as Streptococcus pneumoniae, see Aerobic Bacterial Culture (Isolation).
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling: Infectious agents
Transport Temperature: Ambient (Room) temperature	Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents.
Billing
CPT Code: 87070, 87077	Fees:

Microbiology
Pneumocystosis (Microscopic – Giemsa Stain)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 2 days	Reference Range:
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Open lung biopsy; Bronchial lavage
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Open lung biopsy specimen of choice. Induced sputum is not acceptable (exceptions for AIDS patients) occasionally organisms can be found in bronchial lavage specimens.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Ambient (Room) temperature	Shipping Requirements:
Billing
CPT Code: 87205	Fees:

Microbiology
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Envirnmental (Culture - Isolation)
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Test Includes: Culture, microscopic examination, transformation study
Reporting
Results Available: 10 days	Contact #s: (512) 458-7560
Reference
Method: Culture. microscopic examination, transformation study
Turnaround Time: 10 days	Reference Range: No parasites found
Limitations: Transformation study must be performed to confirm as Naegleria	Interpretation: By report
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Water	Sample Type: Water
Volume/Amount Required: 500 mL	Preferred Specimen: Water
Collection/Preservation: Collect water in a clean, dry leak-proof container	Storage Instructions: ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: Environmental sample not linked with confirmed case.	Sample Container: Clean, dry, Leak-proof container
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information: Survey of environmental samples is provided only to health officials with prior arrangements. Culture and transformation studies can be performed.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling: Handle according to guidelines for environmental samples.
Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature, do not refigerate	Shipping Requirements: Leak-proof container
Billing
CPT Code: 87081	Fees:

Microbiology
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (Culture - Identification)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available: 1 day for direct exam; up to 10 days for culture.	Contact #s: (512) 458-7560
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 1 day direct examination, up to 10 day	Reference Range: No parasites found
Limitations:	Interpretation: By report
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: spinal tap, biopsy	Sample Type: CSF, brain biopsy
Volume/Amount Required: 1-2 mL spinal fluid, small piece of brain tissue.	Preferred Specimen: Spinal Fluid, brain biopsy
Collection/Preservation: Collect by spinal tap, 1-2 mL CSF. By biopsy, collect small piece of brain tissue. Hold at ambient temperature.	Storage Instructions: Ambient temperature, do not refrigerate or freeze.
Causes for Rejection: Insufficient specimen; name on tube/submission form do not match.	Sample Container: Sterile, leak-proof container
Sample Test Kit:	Availability: Monday-Friday With prior notification, Saturday.
Diagnostic Information: Organisms can be cultured on nonnutrient agar plated with Eschericia coli. Direct examination of CSF and Trichrome stain can be performed.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2B	Specimen Handling: Handling body fluids using universal precautions.
Transport Temperature: Never refrigerate specimen. Ambient temperature	Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens.
Billing
CPT Code: 87081	Fees:

Microbiology
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 3 weeks	Reference Range: Nonreactive
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system.	Interpretation: Nonreactive indicates that the patient does not have detectable antibody to the infectious agent. Reactive indicates that the patient has detectable antibody to the infectious agent, and depending on the clinical picture, may have a current or past infection.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Venipuncture	Sample Type: Serum
Volume/Amount Required: 10 mL whole blood	Preferred Specimen: Single Serum
Collection/Preservation: Red top or tiger top tube	Storage Instructions: Do not freeze or refrigerate whole blood. Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C
Causes for Rejection: Discrepancy between name on tube and name on form, insufficient quantity of serum for testing	Sample Container: Red top or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Prior notification is requested (512) 458-7760. A detailed patient history must be included. Serum specimens are sent to the CDC with prior arrangement only.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature for specimens on the blood clot, separated serum at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or -20°C (frozen).	Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice.
Billing
CPT Code: 86849	Fees:

Microbiology
Protothecosis (Culture - Isolation)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time:	Reference Range:
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Isolate; Tissue
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Specimens are forwarded through this Laboratory to the CDC for fluorescence.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:	Shipping Requirements:
Billing
CPT Code: 87081	Fees:

Microbiology
Protothecosis (Microscopic – Direct Fluorescent Antibody)
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time:	Reference Range:
Limitations:	Interpretation:
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection:	Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required:	Preferred Specimen: Tissue
Collection/Preservation:	Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection:	Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Specimens are forwarded through this Laboratory to the CDC for fluorescence.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:	Shipping Requirements:
Billing
CPT Code: 87299	Fees:

Microbiology
Psittacosis (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
Related Agents: Parrot Fever
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Test Includes:
Reporting
Results Available:	Contact #s:
Reference
Method:
Turnaround Time: 3 weeks	Reference Range: Nonreactive
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system.	Interpretation: Nonreactive indicates that the patient does not have detectable antibody to the infectious agent. Reactive indicates that the patient has detectable antibody to the infectious agent, and depending on the clinical picture, may have a current or past infection.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection: Venipuncture	Sample Type: Serum
Volume/Amount Required: 10 mL whole blood	Preferred Specimen: Paired Sera
Collection/Preservation: Red top or tiger top tube	Storage Instructions: Do not freeze or refrigerate whole blood. Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C
Causes for Rejection: Discrepancy between name on tube and name on form, insufficient quantity of serum for testing	Sample Container: Red top or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit:	Availability:
Diagnostic Information: Birds must be sent to Texas A&M University, School of Veterinary Medicine. Human serum specimens collected 14 days apart are forwarded to the CDC with prior arrangement.
Specimen Submission
Required Request Form: G-2A	Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Ambient temperature for specimens on the blood clot, separated serum at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or -20°C (frozen).	Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice.
Billing
CPT Code: 86631, 86632	Fees:

Microbiology Laboratory Tests: O-P