Sampling Techniques
Laboratory results are only as good as the samples submitted allow them to be. Samples should be taken by the correct techniques, with suitable equipment, into suitable containers and media/preservatives and securely despatched to the laboratory in the shortest possible time.

If you require advice or assistance with specific sampling or collection techniques, please contact us for telephone advice, our recommended protocol and/or literature reference.

Labelling and Request Forms
Please label all specimens legibly with the name of the horse and site of collection, if appropriate. This is particularly important where official certification is required (e.g. C.E.M. bacteriology). Incorrect, illegible or miss-spelt names lead to requests for corrected certification. We treat all information and results in a strictly confidential manner. Please use our request forms, including a concise case history, in order that we may try to give you as much help as possible.

Dispatch
Please avoid sending perishable specimens over the week-end, where they may be held up and often deteriorate in the post. Where possible it is sensible to centrifuge or to allow clotted samples to stand until it is possible to pour off the serum, in order to avoid haemolysis. Please do not refrigerate EDTA samples or haemolysis will render the results useless. Please do not send frozen or unfixed tissues for histological examinations as they will arrive in an unsuitable condition for examination.

With urgent samples, or foals and foeti for postmortem examinations, we strongly recommend personal delivery (e.g. by owner) or private courier service.

Post and Packing
Please instruct your secretarial staff in the proper packaging of specimens so that disappointments do not occur. We will supply pre-printed labels on request. Sound packaging is essential to avoid the breakage of containers in the post and the loss of, or damage to samples. Internal and external packing is essential ('Jiffy bags' alone cannot be relied upon). The leakage of pathological specimens can present public health hazards and the G.P.O. may refuse to handle soiled packages.

RCVS Postage & Packing Notice

Large Batches of Samples
We are pleased to receive large batches of clinical or research samples, and offer special batch prices (see our current price list). Many of our clients use routine periodic haematological and biochemical assessments for stables of race and other performance horses and take advantage of our batch pricing offers. For large numbers of samples we appreciate some early warning, even if this is given while the samples are in transit.