News for OSPHL Submitters

Emerging Issues

Monkeypox (hMPXV) Testing
Commercial testing laboratories should be used when available. The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory will prioritize Orthopox PCR testing for patients and healthcare facilities without access to commercial laboratory testing services. Specimens tested at OSPHL must meet criteria for testing outlined in the Submitting Specimens to OSPHL for Orthopox (monkeypox) Testing guidance.

Laboratory Notices

2022 Notices

November 18, 2022 - Influenza Season Specimen Request
November 4, 2022 - SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Testing Changes Update
October 28, 2022 - Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network Updates

October 18, 2022 - SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Testing Changes
October 7, 2022 - QFT Event Planning Instruction
August 19, 2022 - Discontinue Blood Parasite Testing
May 12, 2022 - Enteric Sample Submission Reminders
May 3, 2022 - Campylobacter Workup Status
April 26, 2022 - COVID-19 Supply Expiration Dates
March 23, 2022 - Syphilis Testing Change
March 18, 2022 - COVID-19 Sequencing Report Changes

2021 Notices

November 29, 2021

September 28, 2021 - M. tuberculosis Testing Changes

September 23, 2021 - Inpatient Influenza Specimen Request
August 31, 2021 - SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing Result Changes, SARS-CoV-2 Criteria for Testing, and Specimen Labeling
July 27, 2021 - Data System Geofencing

July 15, 2021 - OSPHL Courier Updates
July 6, 2021 - Sunday Hours Change
June 10, 2021 - STEC PCR Method Change
March 26, 2021 - COVID-19 Sequencing Implementation
January 14, 2021 - M. tuberculosis Testing Down Time

Laboratory Closures

The OSPHL observes laboratory closures in accordance with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) designated closures. Please visit the DAS Building Closures website for a list of planned holiday closures and weather-related closures.

In the event of a weather-related closure, some OSPHL staff may report to work to receive specimens. Limited testing services may be provided.