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- Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) transport tubes (yellow caps) must be ordered from NVDC to ensure quality control and collection container consistency. Contact the laboratory at 402-472-8448 to order tubes. These will be provided at no cost to clientele who would like to submit samples to the NVDC for the direct PCR test.
- PBS transport tubes (yellow caps) have a 2-year shelf life. Tubes should be kept in a cool dark place or refrigerated to ensure quality and sterility.
- Smegma from preputial scrapings or washes from bulls must be inoculated into PBS immediately after collection. Once inoculated, samples must either be refrigerated at 4°C and received within 5 days post-collection or frozen at -20°C, and received within 7 days post-collection. Samples should be mailed with ice packs inside an insulated container (i.e., Styrofoam cooler) that has been placed inside of another shipping container.
- Overnight shipping labels can be printed from the NVDC website. (Click the UPS easy ship link.) Selecting the next day air option will prevent any delays in shipping (especially if you live outside the “one-day ground” zone; see map on shipping page).
- Samples submitted in Tritrichomonas foetus (TF) PBS transport tubes do not require incubation and will be processed upon arrival.
- Pooling samples can only be performed by the laboratory (up to 5 samples/pool). Samples cannot be pre-pooled within tubes by the submitting veterinarian. Pooling must be selected on the submission form for pooled testing performed.
- For interstate movement, ensure that testing/media type meet the requirements of the importing state or country. The collection media and test type are indicated on the laboratory report.
- NVDC will continue to accept samples in TF transport tubes (white/red caps) or TF pouch samples that are within the expiration date.
- TF transport tubes (white/red caps) do not require incubation and should either be refrigerated at 4°C and received by the laboratory within 5 days post-collection or frozen at -20°C and received by the laboratory within 14 days post-collection. After inoculation, samples should be shipped on ice.
- In-Pouches must be incubated prior to testing. If incubation is performed prior to shipment to the laboratory, samples may be refrigerated at 4°C and received by the laboratory within 5 days post-collection or frozen at -20°C and received by the laboratory within 14 days post-collection. Ship samples pouches on ice. If incubation cannot be performed prior to shipping, In-pouches must be kept in the dark, at room temperature, and received by the laboratory within 5 days post-collection. If you have any questions regarding in-pouch culture or ordering In-Pouches, call the Bacteriology laboratory at 402-472-8470.
- For questions about PCR testing call 402-472-8448.