Laboratory Submissions 



Part of your responsibility as an accredited veterinarian is to ensure that specimen 

 samples sent to laboratories for testing and certification are properly prepared, 

 packed, and sent. Most testing for regulatory work involves drawing and submitting 

 blood samples, but you may also be required to submit other fluid or tissue 

 specimens. When submitting blood or serum samples, it is important to take 

 precautions to provide adequate sample volume for testing and to prevent hemolysis, 

 spoilage, or breaking of the sample tubes. 



Diagnostic sample submission procedures are complex and consist of multiple 

 regulatory requirements enforced by multiple entities. Due to the complexity and 

 length of these submission procedures, this guide will explain only what agencies are 

 involved in this process and then direct you to one of two sources of information in 

 the event that you have samples that need to be submitted to the laboratory. 



The following are entities involved in the regulation of diagnostic 

 sample submissions: 



1. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) 



DOT has regulatory authority over shipments of hazardous materials. Diagnostic 

 specimens fall under this category. DOT regulations were revised in 2003 to 

 harmonize U.S. requirements with international requirements and to enhance the 

 safe transportation of diagnostic specimens. For further information, consult the 

 DOT Web site at <http://www.dot.gov>. 



2. U.S. Postal Service (USPS) 



The USPS regulates hazardous material shipments of "diagnostic specimens" sent 

 through the mail. Their regulations are consistent with those of DOT and lATA 

 for shipments of diagnostic specimens. For further information, consult the USPS 

 Web site at <http://www.usps.com>. 



3. International Air Transport Association (lATA) 



LATA is the trade association of the world's airlines. Its regulations are tailored to 

 United Nations technical instructions. lATA regulations must be followed for all 

 shipments of diagnostic specimens by air whether sent within the United States or 

 internationally. lATA regulations are consistent with DOT and USPS requirements 

 for shipments of diagnostic specimens. For further information, consult the lATA 

 Web site at <http://www.iata.org>. 



If you need to submit diagnostic specimens in your role as an accredited veterinarian, 

 we request that you follow the guidance below on how and where to get instructions 

 on the sampling, packaging, and shipping of these specimens. 



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