Animal Health

The emergence of Bartonella species as etiological agents of newly discovered animal and human pathogens has intensified the need for rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic tests.  From an evolutionary perspective, these vector-borne, gram-negative bacteria are very well adapted to cause persistent infection in an expanding number of domestic and wild animal reservoir hosts, where these organisms usually cause a long-lasting intracellular infection of erythrocytes, and potentially vascular endothelial cells.   By combining preenrichment culture with a sensitive Bartonella real-time PCR assay, infections with one or more Bartonella spp. can be detected in blood samples from immunocompetent animals.


How to Order

Step 1

Fill out the appropriate paperwork.  Fill out an Animal Health Test Request Form for our Animal Health testing.  If you have questions about what types of tests to order, please  see Recommendations for Testing.

Animal Health Test Request Form (pdf)

Recommendations for Testing (pdf)

Please note that payment is preferred in advance.  If you are in doubt as to how to arrange payment, please note the name, email, and phone information for the person responsible for Accounts Payable.

 

Step 2

Collect the sample.  It is important to collect the sample as aseptically as possible.  For culture + PCR testing of blood samples, the standard sample required is 3ml of blood in an EDTA tube.  For sample types other than blood, please review our Sample Collection Guidelines for required quantities and packaging.  

Sample Collection Guidelines (pdf)

 

Step 3

Pack and ship the sample.  Samples should be packed and shipped via courier following UN 3373 Cateogry B Biological Sample shipping requirements.  Please see Shipping Instructions for details on packaging and documentation requirements.  If possible, samples should be shipped with an ice pack or cooling gel to prevent exposure to heat above normal room temperature.  Do not place packages in drop boxes. 

Shipping Instructions (pdf)


Our lab is closed on the weekends, so please remember to ship samples via courier Mon-Thurs.  Please check our website for notices regarding holiday closings.

 

 
If you have questions, please feel free to call (919-354-1055) or email us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .