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AUTHORIZATION FOR SUBMITTING SPECIMENS
Routine Submissions
In general, the Area
Veterinarian-in-Charge (AVIC) authorizes incoming specimen submissions
of U.S.-origin samples to the NVSL. Authorization
is assumed for routine program submissions made by regulatory field
veterinarians, state or university diagnostic laboratories, or Food
Safety and Inspection Service veterinarians when such submissions
are accompanied by the proper submission forms, i.e., VS Form 10-4
(Specimen Submission Form), VS Form 6-35 (Report of Thoracic Granulomas
in Regular Kill Animals), or VS Form 10-3 (Request for Salmonella
Serotyping). Major exceptions to this
rule occur during emergency field operations or with regard to suspected
exotic diseases.
Samples received from other countries must be accompanied
by a valid USDA import permit; the laboratory conducting the analyses
should be contacted to obtain the permit.
Suspected Exotic Diseases
If an exotic disease is suspected, contact the AVIC
and the Emergency Programs Staff to obtain the information necessary
to submit samples for FAD testing and to acquire the Investigation
Control Number that must be included with the submission. Approval
by a Regional Director or an Emergency Programs Staff member is
required for shipment of any specimens originating from animals
suspected of having an exotic disease. DO NOT ship any such specimens until approval is received and a control
number is assigned. The receipt of an unauthorized shipment of specimens
containing exotic disease agents can cause substantial disruption
of work at the laboratory. If clearance is given, the proper
priority designation should be used (see Section on Priority), and
telephone notification of priority 1 or 2 shipments should be made
as directed by Emergency Programs to the Head of BMPS or the Laboratory
Director at the NVSL. There is no charge for this testing.
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