On December 27, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) updated the requirements for the Texas Trichomoniasis Program. Among the updates, TAHC increased the duration of transport time for direct smegma samples shipped in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or sterile saline from 96 hours to 120 hours. The TF In-pouches for rtPCR testing must still arrive at the laboratory within 96 hours. Additionally, smegma samples shipped in PBS or sterile saline are now eligible for pooling; up to five samples for one test. Pooling must be done at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL).
TVMDL will now adhere to the following protocols for samples submitted for trichomoniasis testing.
- Culture
- Ship in In-Pouch
- Samples must arrive at laboratory within 48 hours of collection
- In-Pouch (rtPCR)
- Ship in In-Pouch
- Incubate samples at 37ºC (98.6ºF) for 48 hours prior to testing
- Samples must arrive at laboratory within 96 hours of collection
- Pooling eligible for up to five samples
- Direct Smegma (rtPCR)
- Ship in tube containing 1.5 mL of PBS or sterile saline
- Samples must arrive at laboratory within 120 hours of collection
- Samples must be chilled from collection until received at laboratory
- Pooling eligible for up to five samples
For more information regarding the Texas Trichomoniasis Program visit tahc.texas.gov. To learn more about trichomoniasis testing, call TVMDL’s College Station lab at 1.888.646.5623 or the Canyon lab at 1.888.646.5624 or visit tvmdl.tamu.edu.