MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

You are here: Home / One Health-Rabies Laboratory / FAVN Sample Submission Instructions

FAVN Sample Submission Instructions

The One-Health-Rabies Laboratory has expanded its pet export testing services to destinations such as Israel, Turkey, and other countries requiring  FAVN testing be performed at an EU-approved laboratory!
The One Health-Rabies Laboratory at the University of Missouri is recognized by the USDA to perform rabies serology for export for pet travel and is an EU-approved laboratory for rabies antibody titration.  Test price is currently $79.00. We do not test samples for pet travel/export to Japan or China.

MU FAVN Submission form

  • A completed MU FAVN Submission form is required for each sample to be submitted.
  • The submitting veterinarian will verify the identity of the animal including the microchip number and assure accuracy of recorded information; the veterinarian’s signature attesting to this verification is required. Submission forms  must include the pet microchip number AND veterinarian signature, if one or both are missing the sample and submission form will be rejected.
  • The completed submission form is used for reporting the results of the FAVN test and becomes the OFFICIAL FAVN REPORT once the results are applied to it. The OFFICIAL FAVN REPORT is electronically sent to the submitting veterinarian.
    • If a hard copy report  is needed, please request it upon submission.

Specimen

  • 0.5 – 2.0 mL of clear serum in an unbreakable tube labeled with the animal’s microchip number/name. Unlabeled specimens and specimens submitted without accompanying microchip number are not acceptable and will be rejected.
  • Timing of blood draw
    • In general, ~21 to 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination is the optimal time period to measure the antibody response (FAVN result).
    • Check with the destination for any required waiting periods.

Payment

  • Test fees can be found at https://vmdl.missouri.edu/tests-and-fees-all/
    • There are NO additional fees assessed beyond the test fee.
  • The submitting clinic is the client and is responsible for payment.
  • International clients are required to complete payment before testing can proceed. Lack of payment within a week will result in cancellation of the submission.

How to Pay for FAVN Testing:

  • Debit/Credit Card/Web Checks: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Debit Card and Web Check payments can be made online at:  https://mvl.missouri.edu/vmdlpayment/. 
  • Please type your name and account (or invoice) number and then click the “Start Payment Process” button.

Interpretation and Reporting

Message from the Director

The University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory and Missouri’s only laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The VMDL is a Level I Lab of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, Tier I Lab of the FDA Veterinary Laboratory Response Network, and a National Poultry Improvement Plan authorized lab. The VMDL maintains an effective quality assurance and quality control program.

The VMDL has formal anatomical pathology, clinical pathology, and clinical microbiology training programs. The VMDL faculty hold academic appointments in the Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology and Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. The director is administratively responsible to the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine for the overall operation of the laboratory and its multiple missions of public service, teaching, research and continuing education/extension.

The VMDL faculty and staff work diligently to provide relevant, timely and cost-effective diagnostic services to our clients and to create a positive learning environment for our students and residents. In 2024, veterinarians, animal owners and researchers from 103 Missouri counties and cities, as well as from 51 states and provinces outside Missouri, continued to rely on the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (VMDL) diagnostic services. The lab performed approximately 63,500 total cases and conducted nearly 204,500 tests.

About the MU VMDL

The VMDL is a full-service laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). The VMDL provides in-depth laboratory diagnostic support to veterinary practitioners, livestock and poultry industry interests, companion animal interests, wildlife conservationists, scientists utilizing animals in their research throughout the university, state and regulatory officials, and clinicians of the MU Veterinary Health Center.

Our Location

Click to open a larger map

901 E. Campus Loop
Columbia, MO 65211

VMDL News

VMDL Annual Reports

VMDL Employment

Contact

Links