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.