Microbiology Laboratory Tests: Hepatitis to Hookworm

 

Microbiology
Hepatitis A (Serological – Enzyme Immunoassay for HAVAb-total and HAV IgM)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - Hepatitis A (Serological – Enzyme Immunoassay for HAVAb-total and HAV IgM)
Test Includes: Enzyme Immunoassay for Hepatitis A antibodies

Reporting

Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference

Method: EIA  
Turnaround Time:  5-7 days Reference Range:  <1.00 (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: Test run once per week
Diagnostic Information:  Tests are available only to Department’s epidemiologists to investigate outbreaks. Test is performed once per week.

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: 86708 - Total, 86709 - IgM Fees:


Microbiology
Hepatitis B (Serological – Enzyme Immunoassay for HbsAg,and Anti-HBsAg, Total antibody or HBcAb-Total of IgM)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - Hepatitis B (Serological – Enzyme Immunoassay for HbsAg,and Anti-HBsAg, Total antibody or HBcAb-Total of IgM)
Test Includes:

Reporting

Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference

Method: EIA  
Turnaround Time:  1-2 days for HbsAg, 3-4 days for Anti-HbsAg and 5-7 days for HbcAb-Total Reference Range:  <1.00 (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: Tests run daily
Diagnostic Information:

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: 86704 - Core, 86706 - sAb, 87340 - sAg Fees:


Microbiology
Hepatitis C (Serological – Enzyme Immunoassay)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - Hepatitis C (Serological – Enzyme Immunoassay)
Test Includes:

Reporting

Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference

Method: EIA  
Turnaround Time:  3-4 days Reference Range:  <0.620
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system. Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Venipuncture Sample Type: Serum
Volume/Amount Required: 5 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: test run 3 times weekly
Diagnostic Information:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes 50-75% of cases described as non-A non-B hepatitis. The virus is spread primarily via blood and blood products. Known high-risk groups for HCV hepatitis include transfusion recipients, intravenous drug users, individuals with “street” tattoos and health care workers with frequent body fluid contact. Test is performed 3 times per week.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2A Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Separated serum or SST tubes at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or serum -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: 86803, 86804 (RIBA) Fees:


Microbiology
Herpes Simplex (Culture - Isolate)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - Herpes Simplex (Culture - Isolate)
Test Includes: Cell culture

Reporting

Results Available: 1-12 days Contact #s: 512-458-7594

Reference

Method: Cell culture  
Turnaround Time:  1-12 days Reference Range:  Herpes simples not isolated
Limitations: Interpretation: A result of “Herpes simplex virus not isolated” does not necessarily mean absence of disease.  The success of virus isolation depends a great deal on the submissions 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: Swab in 2-4 mL of viral transport media, or tissue in enough viral transport media to prevent drying Preferred Specimen:  Vesicular fluid/swab; Tissue
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:  Isolation services are limited to designated public health programs.  A variety of cell monolayers which support the growth of herpes simplex are inoculated and observed for 10 days.  If characteristic CPE is observed, confirmation of identification will be performed.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2V 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
Herpes Simplex (Culture - Identification)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - Herpes Simplex (Culture - Identification)
Test Includes: Immunofluorescence

Reporting

Results Available: 1-12 days Contact #s: 512-458-7594

Reference

Method: Immunofluorescence  
Turnaround Time:  1-12 days Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: If transporting on dry ice, send 1-2 mL. 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:  Isolation services are limited to designated public health programs.Identification is based on immunofluorescence test using monoclonal antibodies.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2V Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: Frozen isolate:  on dry ice Shipping Requirements: Ship specimens in compliance with governmental regulations.

Billing

CPT Code: 87273, 87274 Fees:


Microbiology
Histoplasmosis (Culture - Isolation)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - Histoplasmosis (Culture - Isolation)
Test Includes: Isolation of fungus and identification by Gen-Probe Accuprobe Test

Reporting

Results Available: 21-28 days Contact #s: 512-458-7455 for prior approval
Technical questions:  512-458-7586

Reference

Method: Accuprobe culture confirmation test; hybridization of ribosomal RNA to probe detected by chemiluminesence
Turnaround Time:  21-28 days Reference Range:  Negative
Limitations: Delay in transport of specimen could compromise isolation of organism. Interpretation: Positive by DNA Probe Test means that the probe detected ribosomal RNA of Histoplasma capsulatum from the isolate.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type: Clinical specimen.
Volume/Amount Required: 3 mL to 15 mL Preferred Specimen:  Sputum; Tissue; Exudate; Blood; Bone marrow
Collection/Preservation: No preservative. Storage Instructions: Transport specimen as soon as possible.  If transport is delayed over one hour, refrigerate specimen, unless blood.
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.  Blood specimens less than 5 mL are unacceptable.  Refrigerated blood specimens will be rejected. Sample Container:  Triple-contained.  Sterile, leak-proof, 50 mL conical tube preferred for primary container.  Add up to 10 mL of sterile saline to tissue if needed to maintain moisture during transport.  If blood, prefer yellow-top with ACD; may also contain SPS.  Green-top is acceptable with lithium or heparin.
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: 87102 Fees:


Microbiology
Histoplasmosis (Culture – Genetic Probe Confirmation)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - Histoplasmosis (Culture – Genetic Probe Confirmation)
Test Includes: Identification of isolate by Gen-Probe Accuprobe Test

Reporting

Results Available: 7-10 days Contact #s: 512-458-7318, ext. 2687

Reference

Method: Accuprobe culture confirmation test; hybridization of ribosomal RNA to probe detected by chemiluminesence
Turnaround Time:  7-10 days Reference Range:  By Report
Limitations: Positive Probe Test does not mean isolate is still viable. Interpretation:  Positive by DNA Probe Test means that the probe detected ribosomal RNA of Histoplasma capsulatum from the isolate.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Pure Culture
Collection/Preservation: No preservative Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Culture infested with mties. Sample Container: Triple-contained
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Accuprobe test is run once weekly.
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: Fees:


Microbiology
HIV-1, Screen (Serological – Enzyme Immunoassay)
Related Agents: Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - HIV-1, Screen (Serological – Enzyme Immunoassay)
Test Includes: Enzyme Assay (EIA)

Reporting

Results Available: 1 day Contact #s:

Reference

Method: EIA  
Turnaround Time:  1-2 days 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: 5 mL Serum, or filter paper with 3 circles completely filled. Preferred Specimen:  Serum, plasma; Oral Fluid; Filter Paper Blood Spot
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: Test performed daily
Diagnostic Information:  The EIA procedure for the detection of antibodies to HIV is a screening procedure. All positive or borderline results require validation by the Western Blot Confirmatory procedure. The western blot will automatically be performed and charged on all specimens with positive or borderline results. Specimens with Nonreactive EIA results will not be tested by western blot unless specifically requested.        

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2A, G-THSTEPS for THSteps Medicaid Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Separated serum or SST tubes at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or serum -20°C (frozen). Dried blood spots ambient up to 7 days. 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: 86701 Fees:


 
Microbiology
HIV-2, Screen (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - HIV-2, Screen (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
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, plasma
Volume/Amount Required: 10 mL whole blood Preferred Specimen:  Serum, plasma
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 forwarded to the CDC from patients with reactive HIV-2 if HIV1/HIV2 combo EIA screen reactive or appropriate risk factors.  Patient history required. HIV-2 is cross-reactive with HIV-1 and has been detected with the whole viral lysate EIA used by TDSHS.

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: 86702 Fees:


Microbiology
HTLV-I-II (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - HTLV-I-II (Serological – Forwarded by TDSHS to CDC for testing.)
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, Plasma
Volume/Amount Required: 10 mL whole blood Preferred Specimen:  Serum, plasma
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 or plasma will be forwarded to the CDC for testing. 

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: 86687,86688 Fees:


Microbiology
Hookworm (Microscopic – Direct Wet Smears Concentration)
< Return to Table of Contents
Microbiology - Hookworm (Microscopic – Direct Wet Smears Concentration)
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 parasites found
Limitations: Interpretation: No parasite found indicates that there were no visible parasites in the specimen submitted.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: feces Sample Type: Feces, unpreserved (less than 5 hours), formalin preserved
Volume/Amount Required: 15 mL liquid stool, 15 g stool Preferred Specimen:  Formalin preserved feces
Collection/Preservation: Collect liquid stool or stool and immediately place into formalin preservative. Hold at ambient temperature. Storage Instructions: Ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: Unpreserved stool > 5 hours. Sample Container: Formalin transport for parasites
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:  Demonstration of eggs in formalin preserved stool samples.  If stool is unpreserved for over 24 hours, the eggs may continue to develop and the larvae may hatch for identification.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2A Specimen Handling: Handle body fluids using universal precautions. Formalin is considered a poison.
Transport Temperature:   Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens.

Billing

CPT Code:87177 Fees:
Last updated April 9, 2018