MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

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Sample Collection – Histopathology

  • Use fresh, non-autolyzed samples for best results. Place in fixative immediately.**
  • Include both lesional and normal tissue if possible.
  • Most tissues should be cut so that each section is no thicker than ¼ inch (6 mm).

Exceptions:

    • Brain: Submit either without sectioning or with coronal (divides into front and back) sections at 1-2 inch intervals.
    • Spinal cord: Submit either intact (with the dura mater opened) or in segments at least one inch in length.
    • Intestines: Submit in segments 1-2 inches in length.
    • Lymph nodes: Section once in sagittal plane (divides into left and right halves).
    • Large masses: Incise to allow penetration by formalin.
  • Submit tissue samples in 10% neutral buffered formalin in non-breakable plastic containers, preferably with a screw on lid. Do not use narrow mouthed containers. Prefilled formalin containers can be ordered from the VMDL (Client Supplies Order Form).
  • The ratio of formalin to tissue should be at least 20 parts formalin to 1 part tissue. Multiple tissue types from the same animal can be submitted in the same container as long as this ratio is maintained.
  • Fix tissues in formalin for 24-48 hrs. Indicate the date and time samples were put in fixative.
  • See Sample Packaging for instructions on shipping formalin-containing samples.

**Fresh tissues, if shipped on ice (not frozen), are acceptable if received at the lab within 24 hours.

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.

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