Dr. Deborah Maples (Diagnostic Services Coordinator) and Dr. Michelle Arnold (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian)-University of KY Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL) 

The UKVDL is a nationally accredited, full-service animal health diagnostic laboratory.  The goal of the laboratory is to diagnose animal diseases and perform diagnostic and regulatory tests quickly and accurately to safeguard animal and human health.  However, a laboratory test is only as good as the sample submitted. That sample should be collected, labeled and shipped properly, with appropriate paperwork, for the most reliable and accurate results. Among possible samples that can be submitted to a laboratory for testing are serum, whole blood, feces, urine, swabs, washes, tissue samples, biopsies, feed, hay, silage, water, and entire animals. The following guidelines will help get the most information from diagnostic submissions, regardless of the laboratory you choose. Complete sample collection and submission guidelines for the UKVDL may be found at the following link: http://vdl.uky.edu/Portals/0/Specimen%20submission%20guidelines_17.pdf 

Certain blood tests such as complete blood cell counts (CBCs), virus isolation, and polymerase chain reaction assays often require submission of plasma or whole blood. For these tests, blood needs to be unclotted, therefore, tubes containing an appropriate anticoagulant must be used.  Blood tube stoppers are usually color coded depending on what they are used for.  Lavender or “Purple top” tubes contain an anticoagulant but the blood sample must be gently inverted five to six times after collection to adequately mix the blood and anticoagulant together to prevent clotting. 

Serum is the straw-colored fluid that separates out after a blood sample clots.  Serum is often required when testing for antibodies or antigens of certain diseases or running serum chemistries. If serum is needed, draw the blood sample into a red top tube, allow the blood to clot, centrifuge or “spin” the sample, (if possible), and then pour the serum into a second, sterile red top tube. Allowing the serum to sit on the clot too long can cause the red blood cells to rupture, or hemolyze, and will interfere with many laboratory test results. Gel tubes, also called serum separator tubes, are special blood tubes with a jelly-like substance in them that settles between the serum and the blood clot after spinning the blood in a centrifuge.  Although these help separate serum from the clot, gel tubes are not optimal for shipping and the gel can interfere with several diagnostic tests. Serum should be poured into a second, clearly-labeled, clean tube for best results. 

All samples should be submitted using proper biosecurity guidelines in securely capped, clean, leak- proof, spill-proof, labeled containers. While a palpation sleeve tied in a knot would seem to be the perfect, convenient submission container for fecal specimens, it is not an acceptable method for sample submission to the lab. Most samples also need to be kept cool. Storage of blood samples on the dashboard or console of a vehicle can quickly ruin them on a warm or sunny day. Tissues preserved in formalin need not be cooled, but must be in leak-proof containers. Serious monetary fines from shipping companies or laboratories may be imposed as formalin is considered a hazardous substance. Shipping on cold packs for next day delivery is recommended for most, but not all, biological samples so check submission guidelines. Samples should be sent in sturdy, insulated packaging that will not allow the specimen or container to be crushed in transit. Padded envelopes are never sufficient for shipping samples, especially blood tubes. 

The paperwork that accompanies the sample is critical to the success of testing.  Beginning with the labeling of the specimen, each container should display the name/ID # of the animal, contents of sample, and date. The submission form (also known as an “accession form”), needs to be filled out as completely as possible. This form as well as all other testing submission forms can be found on the web at: http://vdl.uky.edu/portals/0/documents/UKVDLAccessionForm.pdf.  Regulatory testing typically requires a veterinarian to collect the samples and fill out additional forms out and to place official identification in the animal being tested. 

 As a general rule, the more “history” one can provide, the better. The onset of illness, duration of sickness, how many animals are sick or have died, and all clinical signs observed are valuable pieces of the diagnostic puzzle.  Be sure to indicate all treatments with antibiotics, recent vaccinations, etc., because these can impact test results and interpretation. The collection date is important and must be provided for all regulatory tests.  Other factors such as nutrition and environment often play a role in disease processes and should be briefly described. 

Finally, to save valuable time and money, if there are any questions call the laboratory ahead of time.

CONTACT 

Dr. Deborah Maples (859) 257-8283 or email: deborah.maples@uky.edu   {Diagnostic Services Coordinator} 

Dr. Michelle Arnold (859) 257-7190 or email: michelle.arnold@uky.edu {Ruminant Extension Veterinarian} 

UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: http://vdl.uky.edu/Home.aspx