Accurate diagnostic testing starts with complete and properly submitted samples. Please provide detailed patient signalment, clinical history, physical exam findings and relevant laboratory results with every submission. Biopsy submissions should include a detailed description of the lesion and collection site.
Quick start
- Collect the correct sample type.
- Label all samples clearly.
- Package samples safely using triple packaging.
- Include a completed submission form.
- Ensure shipped samples will arrive Monday–Friday only.
- Use the correct shipping address for your carrier.
- Call the VMDL at 1-800-862-8635 before shipping any “Human Risk” samples.
Basic VMDL policies
Specimens submitted to the VMDL become VMDL property. By submitting specimens to the laboratory, clients are considered to have agreed to VMDL testing procedures, policies and billing practices. It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure specimens are packaged according to current shipping regulations.
Results can be reported by email, fax or U.S. mail. Prices are subject to change without notice. Call the VMDL at 1-800-862-8635 for pricing of custom procedures or research proposals.
- The Tests and Fees section provides sample requirements and any special submission instructions for specific tests.
- Call the VMDL at 1-800-862-8635 for guidance on tests or sample types not listed.
- Samples should never be submitted in syringes, with or without needles.
Collection instructions by area
Samples must be labeled correctly to ensure accurate identification and reporting.
- Use waterproof labeling materials whenever possible.
- Label the primary container (blood tube, culturette, specimen jar, etc.) with:
- Animal name or ID number
- Owner’s last name
- Veterinarian’s name
- Date collected (if sending paired samples)
- Time and date the sample was placed in formalin for histopathology submissions
- Ensure the specimen label matches the submission form exactly.
- Samples suspected of containing infectious agents hazardous to humans must be labeled “Human Risk.”
Appropriate packaging of samples submitted to the VMDL is extremely important. Leakage of samples or breakage of containers poses a hazard to all individuals handling the packages. Following the steps below will help facilitate safe delivery of samples to the laboratory.
Proper packaging requires three components: a primary receptacle, secondary packaging and tertiary packaging.
1. Prepare the primary receptacle.
The primary receptacle is the blood tube, culturette, formalin-containing jar or other container holding the sample.
- Close the container completely.
- Label the container appropriately. See Sample Labeling.
2. Place the primary receptacle in the secondary packaging.
The secondary packaging may be a Ziploc bag, box or other sealable container.
- For liquids, the secondary packaging must be leakproof.
- For solids, the secondary packaging must be siftproof.
- Primary receptacles must be packed so they cannot break, become punctured or leak during transport.
- Place sufficient absorbent material between the primary receptacle and secondary packaging to absorb all liquid if breakage occurs.
- Seal the secondary packaging.
- Label the secondary packaging. If there is more than one secondary package, label them “1 of 2,” “2 of 2,” etc.
Sample containers with formalin solution require special care. If using VMDL prefilled formalin containers, the primary receptacle, secondary packaging, absorbent material and shipping box are included. The prefilled formalin container serves as the primary receptacle and should be tape threaded and closed firmly and carefully. The lid can then be sealed with Parafilm or equivalent. Fabric tape and packing tape do little to prevent leaks and should not be used to seal the jar. The sealable, leak-proof bag serves as the secondary packaging. Place all provided absorbent material inside the bag, wrapping it around the formalin container.
3. Place the secondary packaging inside the tertiary packaging.
The tertiary packaging (shipping container) is usually a sturdy box and may contain a Styrofoam insert when shipping items with cold packs.
4. Add cold packs when appropriate.
With the exception of fixed tissue, slides and Tritrichomonas pouches, most samples require shipment with cold packs.
- Include sufficient cooling material based on sample volume, shipping time and time of year.
- Place cold packs in Ziploc bags to prevent condensation inside the package.
- Do not attach samples directly to cold packs.
5. Add packing material.
Add sufficient packing material (newspaper, packing peanuts, etc.) to fill the tertiary packaging.
6. Include the submission form.
Place the submission form in a Ziploc bag and place it inside the tertiary packaging.
7. Securely close the tertiary packaging.
These are general packaging guidelines. Refer to the links below for carrier-specific shipping requirements:
Practitioners are responsible for following published federal guidelines and regulations. For details related to packaging, labeling and interstate shipping of infectious agents, refer to Title 42 CFR Part 72 and IATA Packing Instructions 650.
The VMDL does not accept courier or USPS deliveries on weekends. Please schedule shipments for Monday–Friday delivery.
| Delivery Method | Address |
|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Service (USPS) | Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory P.O. Box 6023 Columbia, MO 65205 |
| Courier Delivery (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) | Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory 901 E. Campus Loop Columbia, MO 65211 |
| FedEx Billable Stamp Program | Address is preprinted on the label. Call 1-800-862-8635 for information about reduced-cost shipping. |
Special handling
Some samples may contain infectious agents hazardous to humans.
- Label both the sample container and submission form as “Human Risk.”
- Write “SPECIAL HANDLING” clearly on the outside of the package.
- Call the VMDL at 1-800-862-8635 before shipping the package.
Do not label formalin-fixed tissues or samples from diseases not transmissible to humans as “SPECIAL HANDLING.” Contact the VMDL if you are unsure whether special handling labeling is necessary.
Post-mortem rabies testing by fluorescent antibody
- Post-mortem rabies testing on animal brain tissue is performed by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory in Jefferson City, Missouri.
- Contact your local health department for submission instructions or visit https://health.mo.gov/lab/rabies.php.
- Samples submitted to the VMDL for rabies testing may incur collection and disposal fees.
During business hours
Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please use the client entrance at 901 E. Campus Loop, Columbia, MO 65203.
Laboratory section contacts
Some laboratory sections may be staffed outside normal business hours. You can try these contact numbers first.
| Section | Contact |
|---|---|
| Bacteriology and Mycology | 573-882-9245 or 573-882-9259 |
| Clinical Pathology | 573-882-3338 |
| Histopathology | 573-884-9279 or UMCCVMVMDLHisto@missouri.edu |
| Molecular Diagnostics | 573-884-9257 |
| Serology | 573-884-9280 |
| Toxicology | 573-884-9241 |
After-hours small sample drop-off
Small samples such as swabs and blood tubes may be dropped off in the Veterinary Health Center small animal lobby (900 E Campus Dr, Columbia, MO 65211).
- Monday–Friday: 5 p.m.–8 a.m.
- Saturday–Sunday: all day
Samples will be retrieved and processed the next business day.
After-hours large sample drop-off
For amputations, carcasses or other large samples, contact the on-call pathology student at 573-864-7160 to arrange drop-off.
If you need assistance with a live animal, contact the Veterinary Health Center at 573-882-4589.