Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab

Test Details

Test Details
Canine Respiratory Multiplex qPCR Panel (twelve viral and bacterial pathogens): Canine influenza (CIV; Influenza A specific - identifes H3N8, H3N2, and H1N1 subtypes), Canine distemper virus (CDV), Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), Canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2), Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), Canine pneumovirus (CPnV), Canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1), SARS-CoV-2, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptoccus equi subssp. zooepidemicus, Mycoplasma cynos and Mycoplasma canis

Code: MCRPL001

Fee: $100.00

Estimated turnaround time: 2-4 Days

Instructions for Specimen Submissions

Specimen Submission Form

Instructions for submission of specimens derived from animals suspected of CIRDC infection (or testing for infectious agents associated with respiratory infection in small animals):

Collect both nasal and oropharyngeal swabs (please see notes)

Add 0.5 ml of sterile saline or BHI medium to each tube to moisten the swab during transportation.

Make sure the tube containing the swab and the transport medium (e.g., saline or BHI transport medium) is tightly closed and does not leak.

Decontaminate the outside of the tube with 70% ethanol.

Label the tube with the owner’s name, animal ID/accession number, and the date.

Double bag the specimen tube in zip lock bags – decontaminate the exterior of each bag with 70% ethanol.
Place in a leak-proof plastic container and decontaminate the outside with 70% ethanol.

Place the plastic container in a Styrofoam box with an ice pack (ideally ice pack) and deliver it to the LADDL receiving counter or ship it via FedEx overnight (next-day delivery).

Include the completed LADDL sample submission form along with the specimen(s). Please include the following information:

• Animal owner’s name and address, and include the zip code, e-mail address, and phone number.
• Animal’s name, species, age, sex, and permanent ID (if available).
• Animal’s location if different from the owner’s address – also, provide that address.
• Complete patient history and veterinarian’s justification for testing the animal(s).
• Findings of physical, radiographic, or sonographic examinations and any relevant lab results.

Notes:

Use synthetic or semi-synthetic swabs (e.g., polyester, rayon, nylon) with a plastic handle (flocked or spun head). Avoid cotton or calcium alginate swabs or swabs with wooden handles, which have been shown to inactivate viruses and inhibit PCR, invalidating the laboratory test results.

Step (vii) is optional but provides additional biosafety during transportation.

Samples collected on Friday must be kept in a refrigerator (4-degrees Celsius) and shipped on Monday for Tuesday delivery.

Laboratory Policies

• Any samples, specimens and carcasses submitted for testing become the property of LADDL and will not be returned to the client unless specific arrangements are made and approved by the lab director or designee.
• All samples and accompanying documentation may be tested as part of a state or federal surveillance program, utilized for research and educational purposes, and/or development of new assays.
• To protect the confidentiality of our clients, the laboratory will require you to know your LADDL account number when requesting any information concerning accounts or test results. Your account number can be found on your invoice and on the test report.
• LADDL strongly suggests working with your veterinarian to submit any samples. Your veterinarian is uniquely qualified to interpret laboratory findings.
• We do not advise clients about treatment of disease. Our specialized training and experience is in diagnostics. Your local veterinarian is the best source for treatment information.
• We charge modest fees for our services to fund the purchase of supplies and materials that are essential for the operation of the laboratory. Submissions are subject to an accession fee.
• We are required by state law to report positive findings for several diseases to the State Veterinarian. For more information on reportable diseases, refer to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
• LADDL will NOT accept or euthanize any live animals intended for postmortem examination and diagnostic testing, with the exception of small production poultry and small rodents. Contacting LADDL prior to submission is highly recommended. All euthanasia is humane and in accordance with AVMA guidelines.
• Please contact the Laboratory before submitting primates samples.
• A carcass submitted without the submission form or indication of the purpose of the submission will not be held more than 72 business hours. After that, the client will be notified, and the carcass will be disposed of. The client will be billed for disposal.
• We appreciate your business. Please call if you have any questions or concerns – 225-578-9777.

Billing Policy

Statements are sent via mail but can be faxed or emailed upon request. If you would like paperless billing, please notify us via email at laddlreferrals@listserv.lsu.edu or fax (225-578-9784). LADDL accepts cash, check and credit card payments. Please call 225-578-9777 to pay by credit card or for any billing concerns.

A billing statement is sent near the first working day of each month consisting of charges and payments for the prior month, plus any outstanding balances. The balance of your statement is due within 30 days. A finance charge of 3% after a 90-day grace period. 

Authorization to Release Records

LADDL cannot release client information without proper authorization.

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE RECORDS FORM