MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

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Sample Collection – Toxicology

Dr. Evans is available by phone (800-862-8635 or 573-884-9270) or by email evanst@missouri.edu if you have questions prior to sample submission.

  • 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.

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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