The preferred specimen can vary depending on the agent, species of animal, and manifestation of disease. If you are unsure of the suitability of the specimen for a particular disease or agent, please contact the laboratory.
Submit swabs in sterile, redtop tubes (without additives) or other sterile screwcap containers to with a small amount of saline (enough to cover the fibrous head of the swab) to maintain moisture. Viral transport media and universal transport media are also acceptable. Gel, such as culturette media or the type found in serum separator tubes, can inhibit PCR and should not be tested. Bacterial transport containers are not appropriate for PCR testing. If bacterial culture is also requested, please submit a second swab in the appropriate bacterial transport container.
Surveillance sample turn around time is within 1 day from receipt of sample.
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