Toxicology/Analytical Chemistry

General Guidelines for Toxicology/Analytical Chemistry Submissions

1. Refrigerate or freeze tissue samples.

2. Include a complete history.

3. Test requests must be specific.  If you are unsure of what test to request, call the Toxicology Laboratory prior to sample submission.

4. Samples will be held for 2 weeks past the final report date of Toxicology testing.  Please notify the   Toxicology Laboratory  as soon as possible to request additional testing.

Suspected Toxicoses of Unknown Origin

When a toxicosis is suspected, but the specific toxin is unknown, please follow these guidelines:

1.  Obtain a complete history.

2. Perform a complete physical examination or necropsy (depending on the state of the animal).

3.  If the animal is alive, collect, freeze, and save:
                  A)  Vomitus (all available)
                  B)  Urine (all available)
                  C) Whole blood (5 ml in red top clot tube)
                  D)  Whole blood (5 ml in purple top EDTA tube)
                  E)  Serum in glass tube with NO rubber stopper (if zinc toxicity is suspected)

4.  If at necropsy:
                  A)  Fix representative tissues in 10% formalin
                  B)  Save samples for bacteriology and virology if appropriate
                  C)  Freeze and save the following for possible toxicology testing
                        i.    Liver (approximately 100 g)
                        ii.   Stomach/rumen contents (approximately 100 g or all available)
                       iii.   Brain (if organophosphate toxicosis is suspected)  1/2 brain from large animals; whole brain from small animals
                        iv.  Kidney (1/2)
                        v.   Urine (all available)
                        vi.  Eyeball or ocular fluid (if nitrate toxicosis is suspected)

5.  If feed and/or water are possibly related, submit:
                  A)   A minimum of 1 pound of feed
                  B)   A minimum of 1 quart of water

6. Call the ADDL for consultation on appropriate testing based on the clinical history and physical examination or   necropsy findings.