Preparing samples for submission

Guidelines for preparing samples

Our veterinary laboratory users guide is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare your samples. Email bslclo@daf.qld.gov.au for a hard copy of this guide.

Follow these general guidelines when submitting samples to our laboratory.

• Keep samples chilled (not frozen)—except these samples, which should be kept at ambient temperature:
  • smears
  • ticks
  • culture media for Campylobacter and Tritrichomonas.
• Fix tissues in at least 10 times their volume of 10% neutral buffered formalin and pour off all but 50mL for transport (we recommend using 10% neutral buffered formalin)—find out more about histopathology in our users guide (pages 31–33).
• Complete and attach the specimen advice sheet, making sure you:
  • complete all sections, sign and date the form
  • list all specimens
  • number animals and corresponding samples sequentially, starting at 1
  • use a separate specimen advice sheet for each:
    • animal species
    • property
    • reason for submission
  • provide an after-hours phone number for urgent cases.
• Complete and attach a separate necropsy findings form, if required.

Find further information about preparing samples for specific animals and diseases below, and in our veterinary laboratory users guide.

See our typical test turnaround and sample retention times.

Preparation of tissue samples for histopathology

We recommend using commercially-prepared 10% neutral buffered formalin for tissue fixation (not 37% formaldehyde).

Neutral buffered formalin (NBF) contains the buffers essential for the correct fixation of tissue samples. 37% formaldehyde mixed with water is not ideal for adequate fixation and creates issues with sample processing.

10% NBF ingredients:

• formaldehyde, 37% distilled water
• buffers (an essential part of NBF)
• sodium phosphate, monobasic
• sodium phosphate, dibasic.

10% NBF is less expensive and more convenient—no preparation is needed as the solution is ready to use.

Submission forms

We will not accept samples submitted with incomplete forms.

Where possible, complete all forms electronically and print them to send with your submission. Where electronic entry is not possible, handwrite clearly.

You will need to complete 1 or more of the following:

• specimen advice sheet
• necropsy findings form
• sample numbering sheet
• cattle herd reproductive history form
• resistant tick advice sheet
• specimen advice sheet—Japanese encephalitis supplement.

Use these resources when completing the submission forms:

• specimen advice sheet—information for submitters
• specimen advice sheet—instruction guide
• veterinary laboratory users guide
• guidelines for preparing samples.

Specific animals and diseases

Apiary samples

When completing the specimen advice sheet, include your hive identification number (HIN). Include the specimen advice sheet with your samples and label the container with:

• your name
• date collected
• location of the hive.

See guidelines below for specific investigations.

American foulbrood disease

• Option 1: Insert a matchstick into the cell of a suspect brood comb and obtain larval material on one end. Place the matchstick in a small vial and seal it securely.
• Option 2: Wrap a 10cm by 10cm piece of brood comb (without honey) in a paper towel.
• Place the vial or wrapped brood comb in a padded postal bag or a small sturdy cardboard box.

Asian honey bees

• Place the bees in a sealable, non-crushable container.
• On the label include the chemical used to destroy the bees.
• If you have access to a vial and 70% ethanol, you can use these to preserve the sample.

Chalkbrood

• Cut a 10cm by 10cm square of brood comb that contains suspect mummified larvae.
• Wrap the comb sample in paper (not plastic) and place it in a padded postal bag or a small sturdy cardboard box.

European foulbrood

• Provide freshly dead larvae if possible.
• Option 1 (preferred): Wrap a 10cm by 10cm piece of brood comb (without honey and containing larvae) in a paper towel.
• Option 2: Insert a matchstick in the cell of a brood comb and obtain larval material on one end of the stick. Place the matchstick in a small vial and seal it securely.
• Place the sample in a padded postal bag or a small sturdy cardboard box.

Nosema disease

• Provide at least 60 adult suspect bees. Include sick or recently dead bees or bees from the top bars of the frame.
• Place them in a clean jar.
• If possible, preserve them with methylated spirits or 70% ethanol at room temperature.

Varroa mite

• Provide freshly dead bees. You may also submit alcohol wash filters, sugar shakes, sticky mats and pieces of brood comb.
• Place the bees in a sealable, non-crushable container.
• On the label include the chemical used to destroy the bees.
• If you have access to a vial and 70% ethanol, you can use these to preserve the sample.

Aquaculture samples

When preparing samples for an aquatic disease investigation, phone us for advice on (07) 3708 8762. An officer will explain how to prepare the samples.

Read more about sending aquatic samples for laboratory examination and managing disease in aquaculture farms.

Cattle samples

Check these guidelines for specific cattle diseases and sample collection:

• Johne's disease in cattle — sample collection
• bovine infertility — sample collection: ELISA
• bovine infertility — sample collection: culture or PCR.

Goat samples

We offer Mycobacterium paratuberculosis antibody detection testing for Johne's disease in goats, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test.

We don't offer the agar immunodiffusion test (AGID) for Johne's disease testing in goats, as the antigen for the AGID test is no longer available.

The ELISA test can be used as part of the Australian Johne's Disease Market Assurance Program for Goats (GoatMAP). NATA-accreditation of the application of this test is currently in process.

See our schedule of fees for costs.

Foot-and-mouth disease samples

Follow the guidelines for foot-and-mouth disease sample collection.

Transport media

Complete our equipment request form and email to bslclo@daf.qld.gov.au if you need transport media for your samples.