Toxicology Sample Submission Hints
Proper submission of tissue, blood and/or feed samples is essential in the diagnosis of exposure to toxic chemical agents. A good history, which includes morbidity, mortality, previous treatments, and requests for specific tests desired together with the rationale for making the request (symptoms, postmortem lesions, availability etc.), must be received with each specimen. If no medication was given, this should be noted. If human pathogens (rabies, anthrax, encephalomyelitis, etc) are suspected, the exterior of the package should be so marked.
Sample submission guidelines:
- Samples of tissues, blood, stomach or rumen contents, vomitus, and urine should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible. Preservatives should not be used and contamination with antiseptics during necropsy must be avoided. Urine, tissues and stomach or rumen contents should be frozen (refer to Table: sample submission guidelines).
- In cases of suspicion of toxicosis of an unknown origin in a live animal, whole blood, vomitus or gastric lavage, urine, feed and suspect material should be submitted.
- Suspect materials such as feed, hay, plants, bait, or samples of any material that is suspected of being related to the case should be included. Feed should be mixed thoroughly and a representative sample including any descriptive feed tag should be submitted.
- Containers for packing and transporting specimens should be clean and free of chemicals. Jars with metal screw caps should not be used especially when metal poisoning is suspected.
- Each specimen should be put in a separate container, properly labeled and packed with ice. Suspected plants should be placed in plastic zipper bags.
Last Updated: October 9, 2008
