TDA Labs - Large Animal Diagnostics
Getting Samples to the Lab...
Samples may be mailed, delivered or couriered to our laboratory. For more information on sample delivery, please visit the Delivery & Courier page.
Sample Handling
Certain samples may have special requirements (for example, its best to ship milk samples frozen on ice) so if you are not certain please call us at 970.351.8102 or send an email to us at TDA Lab
Milk Sampling Procedures Link to PDF
Biopryn - Animal selection and sample handling
Previously pregnant cows must be at least 90 days postpartum in order for any residual protein B from the previous gestation to be gone. Cows also need to be a minimum of 30 days post insemination. Virgin heifers should be at least 30 days post breeding in order to get an accurate test result. Blood should be collected in a clot tube and stored under refrigeration until submission for testing. Pregnancy protein B is quite stable and there seem to be no untoward effects of serum sitting on the clot. Also, it is not critical that samples be refrigerated for shipment; however, it is a good idea to have them refrigerated prior to shipment. Samples should be shipped for receiving in 1-2 days. Learn more about Biopryn pregnancy testing
BVD - Sample collection and handling
This test can be performed on either serum or skin biopsy (ear notch) samples stored in phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS). Serum from calves should not be submitted for testing unless the sample was collected prior to feeding colostrum or the calf is >3 months of age. This is due to maternal antibody interference, which can increase the risk of false negative results. Skin biopsy samples can be submitted from cattle of any age, including young calves < 3 months of age.
Serum samples should be collected in red top serum tubes and stored chilled prior to submission to the lab. If blood samples are to be stored more than a few days prior to submission, serum should be removed from the clot. Separated serum samples can be frozen and stored for longer periods of time if necessary.
Skin biopsy samples should be collected into individual tubes and the tubes labeled with date, client name and ID. Samples should be frozen prior to shipment.
Ship so that samples are received in 1-2 days and always ship samples on ice (cold packs best). Learn more about BVD testing
Johne’s - Sample handling
Blood samples for Johne's testing should be collected in red top clot tubes. Samples can be stored for 1-3 days in the refrigerator. If samples are to be stored for 3+ days prior to testing, then serum should be separated from the clot. Ship samples on ice for receiving in 1-2 days.
Learn more about Johne's testing
List Other Sample Handling Instructions for other tests here:
This is the text for other sample handling.
For information on sample delivery, shipping and courier services, visit the Sample Delivery page.
For any questions please feel free to contact us at 970.351.8102 or email us at TDA Lab.
Questions may also be submitted through our online contact form.