Johne’s Collection Container Requirements
Starting July 1, 2026, we will REQUIRE fecal samples/specimens submitted for Johne’s PCR to be sent in rigid plastic, leak-proof, sterile, screw cap containers. After July 1, 2026, additional processing charges will be applied to improper submissions.
Please contact the NDSU VDL if you have questions or need help finding suitable container. We do not promote any one brand, but examples of containers are below and can be found by suppliers such as Amazon, Consolidated Plastics, Uline, VWR, McKesson and many more.
Acceptable:
- 25 mL or 50 mL conical tubes (free standing or U or V bottom)
- 2 oz wide-mouth jars with screw cap lid (4 oz are fine too)
- Specimen/urine collection containers (Often ~3 or 4 oz)
- Sterile is preferred, but clean and manufacturer capped container is acceptable
Avoid:
- Condiment or dipping sauce cups as they are not sturdy enough, nor are they screw cap.
- Milk collection snap-cap tubes because gases build up and cause tubes to open and splatter.
- Sleeves because we have seen a lot of messy submissions leading to contamination between samples prior to arrival at the laboratory.
- Whirl paks, sandwich bags, grocery bags, glass containers
Why?
- Less contamination, means potentially faster and more accurate results.
- Save clients money by limiting unnecessary retesting and/or culling of animals.
- Ease labeling burden because they are easy to label with sample numbers (1, 2, 3 etc.) using permanent markers.
- Easy to wipe down (limiting contamination) and package.
- Speed up processing at the NDSU VDL which will help us turnaround results faster.
- Keep testing costs down as the lab will not have to factor in as much tech time and materials.
