Sample Collection – Toxicology

  • Feed samples
    • Grains, processed feeds, silages, hays, grasses, pet food, etc.
    • Sample size 250-450 grams (1/2 to 1 lb.) preferred.  If less available, provide as much as possible.
    • Put dry feed in a labeled Ziploc bag.  Submit unopened cans of food as is.  Freeze opened cans of food.
    • For cyanide testing:  Freeze forage sample as soon as possible.
  • Fresh tissues
    • Liver, kidney, fat, ½ brain (if has neurological signs but is not a RABIES suspect)
    • Sample size 50 -100 grams (2-4 oz).  Brain:  submit ½ cut longitudinally.
    • Do not fix the tissue in formalin or other preservative.  Frozen tissue is ideal; refrigerated is acceptable.
    • Refer to Sample Packaging for instructions on correct packaging.  Do not submit samples in exam gloves or sleeves.
    • Submit sample with cold packs.
  • GI contents/Baits
    • Vomitus, rumen or stomach contents, baits, unidentified food objects (UFOs) suspected of being toxic
    • 50-500 grams (2 oz. -2 lbs.) of GI contents, 250-450 grams (1/2 to 1 lb.) baits or UFOs.
    • Freeze all samples as soon as possible.
  • Fluids
    • Whole blood
      • 5-10 ml collected in a lavender or green top tube
      • Invert 5 times to mix well
      • Ship with cold packs
    • Serum
      •  5-10 ml collected in a royal blue top tube for zinc or red top tube for other analyses
      • Allow to clot; centrifuge, remove serum and put in sterile tube without additive
      • Ship with cold packs
  • Ocular fluid
    • 5-10 ml in a sterile tube without additive
    • Freeze immediately if for ammonia analysis.  Refrigerate for other tests.
    • Ship with cold packs.
  • Urine
    • 20-50 ml for most assays; need at least 50 ml for cantharidin analysis
    • Place in an unbreakable, sealable container
    • Ship with cold packs.
  • Water
    • 250 – 1000 ml
    • Place in an unbreakable, sealable container.
    • If requesting blue-green algae identification:  Add 5 ml of test water to 5 ml of 10% formalin.  See Sample Packaging for instructions on shipping formalin-containing samples.