News for OSPHL Submitters

Measles PCR Testing at OSPHL

While measles is confirmed to be circulating in Oregon, clinicians may send specimens to the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) for measles PCR testing for patients meeting specific criteria for testing. All specimens tested at OSPHL must meet the defined criteria for testing. Please review the OSPHL Measles Testing Guidance (pdf) for complete instructions to follow during the current measles outbreak.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) message about detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) Influenza A(H5N1) in dairy cows in the U.S. The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) provides testing for novel influenza to support public health priorities established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Specific specimen collection instructions apply for testing people suspected of infection with influenza A(H5N1). Please visit our Lab Test Menu Page for Influenza A Subtyping for more information.

Laboratory Data Systems Replacement Project

Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) operates using multiple legacy laboratory information management systems (LIMS). To improve laboratory work flows and services for clients, OSPHL has undertaken the large project to identify and implement the best possible LIMS available for our lab. At this time, we anticipate system implementation will occur sometime in 2025. For more information about the project and how it may affect your work with us, please visit our OSPHL Data Improvement Projects website.

Laboratory Notices

2024 Notices

December 20, 2024 - OSPHL Discontinues E. coli O157:H7 Serotyping for Clinical Reporting
September 11, 2024 - OSPHL Temporarily Suspends Species ID for Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Vibrio spp.
August 1, 2024 - Tuberculosis Testing PZA Kit Recall
May 29, 2024 - OSPHL Reminders and Updates

Specimen Submission Policy, Influenza Specimens, Open Office Hours, Test Menu, and Courier Service

February 21, 2024 - OSPHL Resumes M. tuberculosis and Rule-Out Testing

2023 Notices

December 18, 2023 - Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms (CRO) Susceptibility Testing
November 28, 2023 - M. tuberculosis Result Differences between OSPHL and Washington Public Health Laboratory
November 21, 2023 - Botulism Rule Out Process Clarification
November 21, 2023 - 2023-24 Respiratory Season Reporting Rules and Laboratory Surveillance Activities

November 17, 2023 - BSL3 Down Time Notice
September 18, 2023 - M. tuberculosis Down Time Notice
August 21, 2023 - Discontinue Aeromonas spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides Identification
August 3, 2023 - Vibrio spp. Method Change - Implementation Date Change
July 17, 2023 - Vibrio spp. Method Change
May 30, 2023 - Courier Implementation Details
May 8, 2023 - Off-Season Influenza Surveillance Guidance
April 25, 2023 - Courier Vendor Changes and Trainings
March 23, 2023 - M. tuberculosis Reporting Change
January 20, 2023 - Implementation date change-Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes Testing Method Change

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.