For USDA program disease testing, where should most samples be submitted?

For USDA program disease testing, where should most samples be submitted?

• A. NAHLN laboratories near your location
• B. A laboratory approved by APHIS to run the specific test needed
• C. The Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Plum Island
• D. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, IA

Answer: (B)

For USDA program disease testing, the sample should go to a laboratory that APHIS has approved to perform the specific test needed. This guarantees the lab uses validated, official methods, participates in proficiency testing, and follows standardized quality and biosafety requirements so results are acceptable for program reporting and regulatory purposes. While nearby NAHLN labs can handle many tests, not every lab is approved for every test, so relying on an unapproved facility risks non-acceptance of results. TheForeign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Plum Island is a restricted, specialized facility used for specific high-consequence investigations, not routine program submissions. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames serves as a national reference for certain tests and confirmatory work, but the majority of routine samples should go to an APHIS-approved lab appropriate for the test, ensuring consistent, officially recognized results.

For USDA program disease testing, the sample should go to a laboratory that APHIS has approved to perform the specific test needed. This guarantees the lab uses validated, official methods, participates in proficiency testing, and follows standardized quality and biosafety requirements so results are acceptable for program reporting and regulatory purposes. While nearby NAHLN labs can handle many tests, not every lab is approved for every test, so relying on an unapproved facility risks non-acceptance of results. TheForeign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Plum Island is a restricted, specialized facility used for specific high-consequence investigations, not routine program submissions. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames serves as a national reference for certain tests and confirmatory work, but the majority of routine samples should go to an APHIS-approved lab appropriate for the test, ensuring consistent, officially recognized results.