Sample Collection Guidelines for Toxicology Analysis

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Sample Collection Guidelines For Toxicology Analysis

There is no all-inclusive “Toxin Screen” that tests for all toxins. You must know what toxin is most likely and request analysis for that specific toxin or group of toxins. If you are uncertain what toxin might be involved, please contact Dr. Megan Romano, UKVDL clinical toxicologist, at 859-257-8283 for assistance. If intoxication is suspected, samples should be obtained for possible toxicological analysis.

Antemortem samples: Samples to obtain from live animals include whole blood, serum, urine, feces, and vomit or gastric lavage. Samples of hair or skin are appropriate if the exposure was dermal. Except for whole blood, samples should be frozen and shipped on ice. Whole blood should be kept chilled. Use overnight courier shipping. Do not add preservatives to samples. See guidelines in Table 1 below for more information.

Postmortem samples: For deceased animals, refer the case to UKVDL for full postmortem analysis if possible. Samples for toxicological testing can be collected at that time. The body should be kept cool, not frozen, until the time of the post-mortem, and should be sent as soon after death as possible.

If referral is not possible and you perform the postmortem examination, use the following guidelines when obtaining tissue samples:

• Be sure to obtain samples for microbiological analysis first if indicated
• See Table 1 below for tissue samples to obtain and amounts recommended.
• Samples for toxicological analysis should be obtained using clean technique. Do not cross-contaminate between tissues – wear gloves and change or wash them between samples; change or clean instruments between samples
• Collect two sets of samples from every tissue if possible. Place each sample in a separate clean container or whirl-pak bag and label fully.
• Do not add preservatives or fluids to the samples.
• Open the GI last and save large, representative amounts of GI contents.
• Freeze samples until shipment; ship on ice
• Collect samples for histopathology and preserve in 10% buffered formalin. Cut tissues into thin sections (1.4 inch) to allow adequate penetration of formalin if needed (ratio of formalin to tissue: 10 to 1)

Environmental samples: If the source of the possible intoxicant is known, obtain samples directly from the source (examples: feed, bait, water, etc). If the sample is moist, refrigerate it. If the sample is dry, keep it cool and dry. Plants can be placed in moist towels and refrigerated, frozen, or pressed and dried. Shipping samples: see Shipping and Packaging instructions. Ship by same-day or overnight courier service. Ship on ice packs. Include a laboratory accession form, including information on signalment, physical examination findings, initial diagnostic test results, and a detailed history.

Table 1. Samples for toxicological testing