Microbiology Unit
The Microbiology Unit at the DSHS Austin Laboratory tests approximately 250,000 clinical and reference specimens every year. Specimens are submitted for approximately 320 microbiology tests, including tests for:
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Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and sexually transmitted infections
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Foodborne and waterborne infections
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Arboviral (mosquito-borne viruses) infections
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Mycobacterial and tuberculosis infections
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Rabies (animals only) and zoonotic infections
The DSHS Microbiology Unit has the testing capacity and technology for species identification and isolation, genomic sequencing, phenotypic and molecular characterization, colonization screening, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for select antimicrobial resistant (AR) microorganisms. The Microbiology Unit also responds to and assists in public health responses to health threats posed by various pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
Several microbiology testing programs at the DSHS provide free testing, specimen collection kits, and shipping supplies to providers.
Should you have questions about microbiology testing at the Laboratory, please email Lab.Microbiology@dshs.texas.gov.
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- We Are Newborn Screening
- DNA Analysis Laboratory
- Newborn Screening Notices
- Newborn Screening - Use and Storage of Dried Blood Spots after NBS
- Newborn Screening - Use of NBS Blood Spots after Completion of Newborn Screening
- Newborn Screening Parent Resources
- NBS Annual Report
- Newborn Screening - Frequently Asked Questions