General Guidelines
LIVE ANIMALS:
The live, sick animal typical of the problem early in the stages of disease,
along with very recently dead animals are the submission samples of choice.
The owner should deliver the animal directly to the Laboratory. If possible,
more than one animal should be delivered. Cull or runt animal submissions
are to be avoided as they may yield information that is misleading. Clients
should be informed that live animals submitted to the laboratory cannot
be returned to the farm.
INTACT CARCASS:
The biggest handicap the Laboratory has to overcome is postmortem autolysis.
It is extremely important that the animal be necropsied as soon after
death as possible. Postmortem autolysis and putrefaction lessen the chance
of establishing a diagnosis with each passing hour. If the carcass is
small it should be refrigerated if possible. Do not enclose the carcass
in a plastic bag until it is well chilled. The bag will hasten autolysis
from entrapped body heat. If long delays are anticipated, the carcass
should be frozen. Remember, however, freezing prohibits using tissues
for histopathology and makes isolation of some pathogens impossible. Even
better, necropsy the animal and send tissues rather than a frozen carcass.
SPECIMENS:
Specimens that are properly collected and preserved are helpful in establishing
a diagnosis when the animal cannot be presented to the Laboratory. Careful
selection of specimens representative of the suspected disease process
is critical. It is better to err by submitting excessive samples rather
than an insufficient number.
LABELING SPECIMENS:
When submitting specimens, mark each container clearly and legibly with
both the owner’s name and veterinarian’s name. Often more
than one case is submitted in a single mailing and samples can be mixed
accidentally. The Laboratories handle dozens of cases per day and often
the same name (veterinarian or client) may appear the same day
but from different locations.
HISTORY:
No one likes to fill out forms but we cannot function without them. Submit
a complete, concise history form or letter with each animal or specimen
delivered to the Laboratory. Give the Laboratory as much information as
possible. No detail is insignificant. Be sure to indicate all treatments
and vaccinations. Also list impressions or suspected causes of the problem.
Be specific in your requests so that no test will be overlooked. Names
and addresses that are illegible or incomplete may cause delays from postal
services.
SHIPMENT:
The best method of shipment to the Laboratory may be personal delivery
by the owner or veterinarian. Specimens may also be submitted by bus,
UPS, U.S. Mail, or by other delivery service. Avoid shipping packages
with fresh tissues over the holidays and weekends. Laboratory people are
present during these periods, but the delivery services may not get the
samples to the Laboratory. Incubation in a mail room or shipping room
does not enhance the chances of isolating a primary pathogen. We suggest
that samples be addressed to the Laboratory rather than to an individual
who may be away from the unit for various reasons and periods of time.
This is not meant to discourage direct communication with members of the
staff concerning cases or submissions. However, it does prevent unnecessary
delays in processing samples when the addressee is away.
MAILING:
The United States Postal Service has stringent regulations pertaining
to the shipment of biological products. Samples must be placed in a sealed,
waterproof container. Primary containers are to be surrounded by absorbent
material sufficient to take up all possible leakage. Primary containers
then must be placed in sealed secondary containers. Screw – cap
closures must be reinforced with tape. Used hypodermic needles are considered
to be hazardous and must be treated as a biohazard. If you have questions
concerning classifications of hazardous, restricted, or perishable matter,
contact your local United States Postal Service. Restrictions among the
courier services varies greatly. Most will provide a list of restrictions
upon request.
REFERRAL SERVICE:
There are several tests that are not performed routinely due to low demand.
Samples received requesting such tests will automatically be forwarded
to an appropriate laboratory for processing. We will attempt to refer
samples to laboratories that are reliable, rapid, and as inexpensive as
possible. If a test is not listed in this handbook please call to see
if the test is available and, if not, where it will be sent. You may want
to deal directly with the referral laboratory. A referral fee will be
assessed to cover handling and shipping expenses in addition to the test
charges (see Fee Schedule).
CONSULTATION:
Please call on us for telephone assistance whenever you need information.
You may have questions about interpreting test results or proper sampling
to assist in disease investigations.
We welcome the opportunity to assist you.