Submitting Enteric Outbreak Specimens

State and Local Public Health Authority Outbreak Support

The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) provides testing to help determine the pathogen causing enteric (gastrointestinal) outbreaks.

OSPHL staff can send specimen collection kits to and arrange for pick up collected specimens from outbreak locations (such as residential facilities) using the laboratory's contracted couriers.
OSPHL couriers cannot deliver to or pick up from patients' homes.

To begin coordination, notify OSPHL from the Etiology tab in the Outbreaks Database.

Use the Job Aid for Informing OSPHL of Outbreak Specimen Collection to Begin Coordination (pdf) for complete instructions.

Visit the OSPHL Lab Test Menu for specimen collection, handling, and transportation instructions for all tests offered by OSPHL. Patients must be given a copy of the Stool Sample Instructions for Patients (see below),

Stool Sample Instructions for Patients

OSPHL's stool collection instructions must be given to patients when OSPHL will test the specimen*.

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*If another lab will test the specimen first, follow the collection instructions provided by that lab. Labs sending leftover patient sample for reportable conditions may use their own patient instructional materials; they do not need to give patients a copy of OSPHL's Stool Sample Instructions for Patients. However, the submitting lab must follow the OSPHL Lab Test Menu.