- Preferred sample volume is 1.0 ml of serum, especially if ordering multiple tests. Please call the lab if volume of serum collected is less than 0.5 ml to confirm that test(s) can be performed.
- Collect blood in a sterile red top or serum separator tube (SST).
- Do not force the blood into the tube as this will cause hemolysis.
- Invert the tube 5 times to mix clot activator with blood.
- Allow the blood to sit for sufficient time to clot.
- Centrifuge
- Remove the serum aseptically from red top tube and transfer to a new red top tube or other sterile tube without additive.
- Serum does not need to be transferred from an SST tube after the tube has been centrifuged.
- Make sure that all tubes are legibly labeled, using a permanent marker/pen.
- Refrigerate serum until shipped. Do NOT freeze.
- Ship serum with cold packs.
- If collecting paired serum samples, submit both samples at the same time.
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.
Our Location
901 E. Campus Loop
Columbia, MO 65211