Sample Submission
Intact Carcass
Labeling Specimens
Live Animals
Rabies
Specimen Collection
History
Clinical Pathology and Clinical Chemistry
Sample Delivery to WADDL
Federal Express
Mailing
Shipment
Diagnostic Specimen Shipping posted Feb. 3,
2003
Sampling Guide for
Rabies, West Nile Virus and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) (condensed
version for printing) posted Aug. 5, 2005
Live
Animals: The live, sick animal typical of the problem 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 will not be returned. If an antemortem diagnosis is
desired, arrangements should be made at the Teaching Hospital.
Intact
Carcass: The biggest handicap the Laboratory has to
overcome is post-mortem autolysis. It is extremely important that the animal
be necropsied as soon after death as possible. Post-mortem 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 in a plastic bag until the carcass 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.
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 Laboratory handles
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 WADDL history
form (Accession
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.
Clinical Pathology And Clinical Chemistry:
A complete clinical pathology laboratory is present in the Teaching
Hospital. Because of this, WADDL has seen no need to duplicate this
service. Questions concerning that area should be directed to:
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-6610
Phone (509) 335-0711 or 335-0745
Sample Delivery to WADDL
Shipment: The best method of shipment to the
Laboratory is personal delivery by the owner or veterinarian. Specimens
may also be submitted by bus, U. S. Mail, or by delivery service. Avoid
shipping packages over the holidays and weekends. Laboratory people are
present during these periods, but the delivery services will not get the
samples to the Laboratory. Incubation in a mailroom 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 primary container. Primary
containers are to be surrounded by absorbent material sufficient to take up
all possible leakage. Primary containers must then 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 an
etiologic agent. 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.
USPS packages should be addressed to:
Washington State University-WADDL
P.O. Box 647034
Pullman, WA 99164-7034
Federal Express: We are pleased to inform
you that WADDL now offers
discounted shipping through Federal
Express. The rates for continental U.S. "standard overnight service" are
as follows:
1-3 lbs. - $8.50
4-5 lbs. - $11.00
>5 lbs. - $2.00/each additional lb.
To take advantage of our contracted rates, simply use the WADDL account
#2112-4551-4
on the bill of laden or air bill. Saturday deliveries are available,
unfortunately, there is an additional $10 charge. If you are a frequent user
of WADDL, we can supply you with pre-printed mailing labels. Shipping
containers may be obtained directly from Federal Express.
You will be invoiced for freight costs with your regular case charges.
Federal Express packages should be addressed to: Washington State
University-WADDL
155N Bustad Hall
Pullman, WA 99164-7034
We hope you will find this service beneficial. Increased cost
effectiveness and improved turn-around-time of our services are
continual goals. Your suggestions are always welcome. We appreciate your
business!
Rabies: WADDL does not process rabies
suspect brains. Rabies diagnoses in Washington are conducted at:
If you have a rabies suspect, contact your County Public Health
Authorities. They will do the necessary paper work and will ship the animal
head to the Seattle Laboratory. In other states, contact your Public Health
Authorities, Bureau of Animal Industries or State Veterinarian.
Sampling Guide for
Rabies, West Nile Virus and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) (
condensed
version for printing) posted Aug. 5, 2005
Last Edited: Mar 10, 2008 4:25 PM
