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Sample Collection – Bacteriology

  • Specimens need to be fresh and collected as aseptically as possible to minimize contamination.
  • Ship all samples with cold packs except Tritrichomonas foetus pouches and those for anaerobic culture only (blackleg, foot rot).
  • Next day delivery is best for all samples.
  • Please refer to Sample Packaging for instructions. Also refer to specific instructions from the carrier being used (FedEx, UPS, USPS) for samples that are regulated as Category B.

     1. Aerobic Culture

  • Swabs
    • Preferred method for submitting samples from eyes, ears, nasal passages, mouth, skin, cervix, abscesses, etc.
    • To prevent drying out during shipment, swabs should be placed in a suitable transport medium. Several swabs are available for purchase through the VMDL (Client Supplies Order Form). The BBL CultureSwab Plus with Charcoal can be used for all samples except ear swabs. This swab MUST be used for samples tested for Taylorella equigenitalis (CEM) and Moraxella spp. (pinkeye). The BBL CultureSwab Plus without Charcoal is used for ear swabs and all samples EXCEPT Taylorella and Moraxella.
  • Tissues and organs
    • Place in a leak-proof primary container such as a screw top jar or whirl-pak.
    • Refrigerate until shipped.
    • Place the primary container in a secondary leak-proof container and then a tertiary container.
    • Ship for next day delivery.
  • Feces
    • To avoid environmental contamination, samples should be collected directly from the animal.
    • Place in a leak-proof primary container (not an exam glove), a leak-proof secondary container, and a tertiary container; ship immediately.
  • Urine
    • Best samples are obtained by catheterization or cystocentesis. If possible, avoid free catch samples.
    • Refrigerate sample until shipped. Sample size of 1 -5 ml is sufficient.
  • Specimen Requirements for Specific Tests
    • Tritrichomonas foetus
      • InPouch test kits can be purchased from the VMDL.
      • Follow the instructions in the test kit.
      • Do NOT refrigerate samples, do NOT ship on ice. Samples must remain at 15-37C (59-98.6F) from time of collection to arrival at VMDL. Ship to arrive at the VMDL the day after collection.
    • Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
      • 1-5 ml of blood
      • Label “Human Risk”
    • Brucellosis (Brucella sp.)
      • Best samples: Placenta, aborted fetus, milk, mammary lymph nodes
      • Label “Human Risk”
    • Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes)
      • Best sample: brain stem
      • Label “Human Risk”
    • Campylobacter fetus ss venerealis (cattle, sheep)
      • Best samples: Uterine and preputial swabs, semen, fetal stomach contents
      • Should be placed in Amies transport media with charcoal such as the BBL CultureSwab Plus with Charcoal (Client Supplies Order Form).
    • Taylorella equigenitalis (Contagious Equine Metritis)
      • Best samples: Equine cervical or uterine swabs
      • Should use Amies transport media with charcoal such as the BBL CultureSwab Plus with Charcoal. Rayon mini-swabs can also be used for CEM sampling. All CEM samples should arrive at the VMDL within 48 hours of sample collection.

2. Anaerobic Culture

Appropriate method of sample collection is critical. If using a needle and syringe to collect the specimen, ensure that all air has been expelled from the syringe before collection. Transfer the contents of the syringe to an ACT 1 anaerobe transport tube (Client Supplies Order Form).

Specimens that may be suitable for anaerobic culture include:

  • Blood, if collected properly
  • Pleural, peritoneal, joint fluid; bile
  • Aspirates from deep wounds
  • Contents of deep abscesses, if collected properly

3. Culture from Animal Treated with Antibiotics

Use the BD-BACTEC Plus media when testing fluids from an animal recently treated with antibiotics. This medium contains resins which neutralize antibiotics in the sample.

 

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 2023, the VMDL processed approximately 64,924 accessions and performed more than 207,026 laboratory tests, which represents a 10.67 percent increase in diagnostic accessions and 17.54 percent increase in laboratory tests compared to 2022. The diagnostic service was utilized by veterinarians, owners, and researchers from 110 Missouri counties and independent cities and 28 other states.

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.

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