MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

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Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology

The mission of the Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology section of the VMDL is to provide an array of chemical analyses based on the needs of Missouri veterinarians, agricultural producers, and pet owners.  Dr. Casteel, casteels@missouri.edu, is available for consultation on suggested testing procedures, sampling requirements, therapeutic advice, and interpretation of results.  Dr. Du, x.du@missouri.edu, is available for consultation on analytical chemistry, method development and validation, and research contracts.

Contact:  573-884-9241
Contact (Dr. Du’s office):  573-884-9240
Animal Poison Control:  888-426-4435
Tests performed by Toxicology

Faculty

Stan W. Casteel, DVM, PhD, DABVT (Toxicology)
Professor

Xiangwei (Shaun) Du, PhD (Chemistry)
Clinical Assistant Professor and Interim Section Head

Staff

Kristen Hirst
Clinical Laboratory Specialist I

Chandler Mossman
Senior Clinical Laboratory Technician

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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901 E. Campus Loop
Columbia, MO 65211

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