Sample Submission

Submission Forms

Diagnostic Specimens are listed as Hazardous Materials: "Diagnostic Specimens" are now listed in the Hazardous Material Tables of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and are subject to the new rules summarized here. These rules relate to specimens that are potentially infectious only, and so formalin-fixed tissues (for example) are exempted. This document is only a summary and the complete regulations should be examined to ensure accurate interpretation at:

http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2001/January/Day-22/i92.htm

Definition of Diagnostic Specimens: "Any human or animal material, including excreta, secreta, blood and its components, tissue, and tissue fluids being transported for diagnostic or investigational purposes, but excluding live infected humans or animals."

Delivery of Samples to the Laboratory: "EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, samples submitted to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Laboratory for regulatory disease testing (e.g., Brucellosis, Equine Infectious Anemia, Johne's Disease, Trichomoniasis, Pseudorabies), unless delivered by the Veterinarian of Record, must be in containers which were sealed and signed by the veterinarian to maintain chain-of-custody from the time of sampling until delivery to the laboratory OR THE SAMPLES WILL BE REFUSED.

Trichomoniasis culture samples: Collect into the InPouch TF system and ship at room temperature (between 68°F - 98°F [20°C - 37°C]). To maintain temperature during shipping in cold weather, place inoculated media in a styrofoam container with 3-4 heated icepacks (warmed to about 98°F [37°C] in microwave) inside the container, and filling box with adequate mass (newspaper, etc.) to keep the contents packed tightly. The laboratory must receive the samples within 48 hours from collection date.

Trichomoniasis Real-Time PCR samples (Including culture positive confirmation samples): Collect into the InPouch TF system and incubate for 18-24 hours at 37°C. Pouches should then be frozen and shipped on ice packs.

Packaging Required for Shipment of Diagnostic Specimens: Generally, unless diagnostic specimens are transported by ground based private or contract carriers using dedicated vehicles, these materials must conform to the standards listed below. (NOTE: These regulations DO APPLY to FedEX and other commercial shipping companies. The stringent parcel size limitation in the section "Diagnostic Specimen Shipments by Air" below is important for any company that routinely ships by air.) Ask you carrier for a copy of the document "Packing Instruction 650" which includes additional requirements.

Diagnostic Specimens must be packaged in triple packaging consisting of:

1. A primary receptacle: Primary receptacles must be packed in secondary packaging in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured, or leak their contents into the secondary packaging.

2. Leak-proof secondary packaging: Secondary packaging must be secured in outer packaging with suitable cushioning material such that any leakage of the contents will not impair the protective properties of the cushioning material or the outer packaging. If several fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

3. Outer packaging: The completed package must be capable of successfully passing the drop test at a drop height of a least 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). (There is no size limit to parcels containing animal bodies or body parts.)

Outer packaging must be clearly and durably marked with the words "Diagnostic Specimen".

Liquid Diagnostic Specimens must be packaged where the:

  • Primary receptacle is leak-proof with a volumetric capacity of not more than 500 ml (16.9 ounces)
  • Absorbent material of sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacle is placed between the primary receptacle and secondary packaging
  • Multiple fragile primary receptacles placed in a single secondary package must be individually wrapped or separated as to prevent contact between them
  • Secondary packaging must be leak-proof

Diagnostic Specimen Shipments by Air additionally require that:

  • The primary receptacle or the secondary container is capable of withstanding without leakage an internal pressure of 95 kpa (14 psi)
  • The outer packaging does not exceed 4 L (1 gallon) capacity.
    • NOTE: This volume limitation does not apply to parcels containing 'animal body parts, whole organs, or whole bodies even if known to contain or suspected of containing an infectious substance'. However, the outer package must be labeled to indicate that the contents are subject to special provisions under Title 49, CFR, A82.

Training Requirements: Persons preparing or transporting diagnostic specimens "must know about and be able to apply the requirements of Title 49, CFR, Sec.173.199 to specific shipments".

 

Rabies sample submission:

The Department of Health and Welfare Bureau of Laboratories is the custodian of the Rabies Program. Please use the link below for sample submission instructions.
Please Note: The Laboratory will not accept whole SKUNK bodies submitted for rabies.

http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/DesktopModules/Documents/