Section 475.17  Authorization to Submit Specimens or Samples

Each test performed by the Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories is in support of the Department of Public Health's mission to support public health programs by providing surveillance data. Testing services are authorized by local health departments or Department of Public Health programs.

a)         Authorization to obtain testing services is based on criteria including, but not limited to: the need for public health surveillance data with consideration of private testing availability; the need to characterize or identify an outbreak; prior approval from the Department or a local health department; or a submission that is required by the Control of Communicable Diseases Code or the Control of Tuberculosis Code.

b)         Authorization will be given for submission of clinical specimens if the submissions are part of a routine, ongoing surveillance program. Specimens that are not part of a routine, ongoing surveillance program will require specific authorization for each submission.  In those situations, medical providers shall discuss submission of the specimen with the relevant local health departments or Department of Public Health programs.

c)         Authorization will be given for continued submission of specified types of non-clinical samples if the submissions are part of a routine, ongoing surveillance program. Examples are water samples, food samples and rabies (animal) samples. Samples that are not part of a routine, ongoing surveillance program will require specific authorization for each submission.  In those situations, local health departments shall discuss submission of the sample with Department of Public Health programs.

d)         Samples or specimens submitted to the Laboratory without proper authorization will not be tested. Laboratory staff will contact the submitter and determine whether the sample/specimen will be returned or destroyed.

(Source:  Added at 38 Ill. Reg. 21494, effective October 31, 2014)