Molecular Biology - Testing by Organism
- Molecular Biology Home | Molecular Testing by Organism | PulseNet Lab: South Central Region -
|
Organism |
Testing method |
Specimen requirements |
Expected results turn-around |
Testing frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arboviruses (EEE, WEE, SLE) |
Real-time PCR |
Specimens are received from the Arbovirus-Entomology Team |
14 days |
Weekly |
|
Bordetella species (pertussis, parapertussis, and holmesii) |
Real-time PCR |
Collection Requirements: Submit as Rayon or Dacro non-bloody swab with aluminum or plastic handle without transport media. Transport: Must be transported on wet ice or cold packs (not dry ice). Specimens must be shipped within 48 hours of collection and received at DSHS within 7 days of collection |
Within two working days of receipt, though next day is typical. |
Daily M-F |
|
E. coli |
Real-time PCR |
Specimens are received from the Clinical Bacteriology Team as a pure isolate on an agar slant. |
11 days |
Weekly |
|
E. coli, Pseudomonas species, Neisseria meningitides strains, Ralstonia species, Acinetobacter species, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Enterococcus species, Streptococcus species, Serratia species, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Listeria species |
PFGE |
Specimens are received from the Clinical Bacteriology Team as a pure isolate on an agar slant. |
14 days |
Daily M-F |
|
Norovirus |
Real-time PCR |
Non-bloody and non-dried stool specimens are the only accepted sample types. An acceptable specimen should not contain any preservatives or transport media. Submitters must send at least 200-400 µL of fresh stool in a dry container. Stool samples are to be transported on wet ice or cold packs (not dry ice) and stored refrigerated until processed for RNA extractions. |
Within two working days of specimen receipt. |
Within 24 hours of specimen receipt. |
|
Plasmodium |
Real-time PCR |
Specimens requirements: At least 0.2 ml fresh or frozen whole blood or blood that has been treated with citrate, heparin, or EDTA. Typical sample is contained in a purple top vacutainer. |
Within two working days of receipt, though next day is typical |
As needed, M-F |
|
Serology and PFGE |
Send as a pure isolate on an agar slant. |
Real-time PCR |
14 days |
Daily M-F |
|
Shigella |
Serology and PFGE |
Send as a pure isolate on an agar slant. |
14 days |
Daily M-F |
|
West Nile Virus |
Real-time PCR |
Specimens are received from the Arbovirus-Entomology Team |
14 days |
Weekly |
(888) 963-7111 ext. 7784 toll free
Laboratory Services Section
Department of State Health Services, Mail Code 1947
PO Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347