Sample preparation guidelines
We require correctly prepared samples to be able to provide good quality diagnostic service. Please follow the guidelines to avoid the most common problems (e.g. unreadable animal ID).
Animal species that we can test – all.
Sample fixation and preparation – evenly spread, air dried, cellular material on the marked slides. If you wish to send in the fluid material (abdominal fluid, joint fluid, CSF etc), please send in the air dried native and the sediment smears. Fluids sent in tubes or syringes will not be evaluated.
Submission form – please fill the electronic submission form. After submitting the form, you will receive a copy to your email. Please do not send printed copies of the form to VetCyto – we have this information electronically.
Shipping – use adequate packaging to ensure that slides do not brake. Please use high-quality plastic or cardboard slide containers, securely packaged – so that the package is not easily deformed. Do not scothctape the slides together.
You can order slide containers from VetCyto free of charge. Go to the top of the page and press “Order slide containers” button.
Address: Omniva parcel machine ( Omniva (Jūrmala, Asaru Senā Bode, Asaru prospekts 14). E-mail info@vetcyto.com, phone +371 20016926. Link to Omniva website.
How to mark the slides – it is VERY IMPORTANT to mark the slide in the same way as you wrote in the request form so that we can match them correctly! Please mark each slide with: name (or ID) of the animal, sampling site and the date of sampling. Please use the pencil (no pen, no felt tip-pens) on the frosted edge of the slide.
Shipping method/shipping time – shipping through courier services or parcel machines provides the shortest shipping time. However, delays can occure, especially before Christmas. You can be sure we will do our best to deal with this issue, should it occur.
Time for testing – testing is carried out within 48h after the reception of the sample. It involves staining, microscopic evaluation, preparation of the written report. In some cases additional research is needed. The report will be sent to your email address as a pdf document. Slides are not returned, but destroyed 60 days after recept. If you wish, please notify us and they can be sent back or shipped for additional testing (for example: PARR in lymphoma cases).
Urgent samples – we will do our best to accomodate your needs for urgent diagnostics. In these special ocasions, please contact Dr. Inese Berzina by phone: +371 20016926.
