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5.3.2.7.4 Laboratory Submission All required laboratory testing for THSteps clients must be performed by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory in Austin, TX, with the following exceptions:
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• THSteps medical checkup laboratory specimens submitted to the DSHS Laboratory must be accompanied with the DSHS Laboratory Specimen Submission Request Form (Newborn Screening NBS 3 or G-THSTEPS as appropriate) for test(s) requested. All forms must include the client's name and Medicaid number as they appear on the Medicaid Identification (Form H3087). If a number is not currently available but is pending (i.e., a newborn or a newly certified client verified by a Medicaid Eligibility Verification [Form H1027] as eligible for Medicaid), providers must write "pending" in the Medicaid number space, which is located in the payor source section of the laboratory specimen submission form. Laboratory specimens received at the DSHS Laboratory without a Medicaid number or the word "pending" written on the accompanying specimen submission form will be analyzed, and the provider will be billed. Specimens submitted to the laboratory must also meet specific acceptance criteria. For additional information on specimen submission, providers can refer to the DSHS Laboratory web page at: www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/MRS_specimens.shtm. Note: If an extreme health problem exists and telephone results are needed quickly, providers should make a request on the laboratory form. With the exception of weekends and holidays, routine specimens are analyzed and reported within three business days after receipt by the DSHS Laboratory. Critical abnormal test results (e.g., hemoglobin equal to or below 7g/dL or blood lead levels greater than or equal to 40 mcg/dL) are identified in the laboratory within 36 hours after receipt of specimens and are reported to the submitter by telephone within one hour of confirmation. The THSteps laboratory specimens that can be mailed at ambient temperature can be sent to the DSHS Laboratory Services Section through the U.S. Postal Service at no cost using the provided business reply labels:
DSHS Laboratory Services Section THSteps laboratory specimens that require overnight shipping on cold packs through a courier service must be sent to the DSHS Laboratory Services Section at:
DSHS Laboratory Services Section, MC-1947 Newborn Screening specimens can be sent through the U.S. Postal Service to:
Texas Department of State Health Services |
Specimens collected for Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, HIV, and syphilis screening may be sent to the laboratory of a provider's choice or to the DSHS Laboratory in Austin if submission requirements can be met.
