Check all the boxes: Best practices for expediting regulatory sample submissions

August 27, 2024
College Station, Texas

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) works alongside the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to provide testing services in accordance to state regulations.

Due to the increased volume of regulatory testing this time of year, incomplete submissions can be significantly delayed.

Here are some best practices that aid in the quick accessioning of regulatory samples:

TVMDL Submission Form

The TVMDL Submission Form must be included with necessary regulatory paperwork and animal ID lists.

At a minimum the TVMDL Submission Form should include:

  • Submitter information
  • Requested test(s)
  • Species fields
Regulatory Paperwork

Regulatory paperwork must be included in the shipment and complete for timely testing.

Information commonly excluded on paperwork includes:

  • Veterinarian signatures
  • Blood draw dates
  • County
Animal Identification

If barn names and/or registered names are used, specimens must clearly match ID listed on paperwork.

Packaging

All paperwork should arrive bagged separately, but in the same package as the samples. Faxing and emailing paperwork separately causes delays.

See the TVMDL Packing Guide for additional instructions.

Specimens

All specimens should be:

  • Clean
  • Well-sealed
  • Clearly labeled to match submission paperwork
  • Organized and bagged to prevent leaks
Other Suggestions

When submitting large cases, the Submission Form Supplement or Specimen Import Spreadsheet can be sent with other required forms to expedite the receiving process.

Electronic Animal ID lists can be emailed to:

  • clientservices@tvmdl.tamu.edu

For more information about regulatory testing, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call the College Station lab at 1.888.646.5623 or the Canyon lab at 1.888.646.5624.