Posted during the past 12 months |
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 Test Fee Changes Take Effect June 1st, 2009 |
6/1/2009 |
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New test fee adjustments went into effect on June 1, 2009. Price information can be viewed in the test search feature or by clicking on the electronic Test & Fee Manual at http://diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/test/, which is a condensed summary of tests and fees offered and can be viewed, printed, or downloaded at QuickList.pdf If you prefer to have a hard copy of the notebook version of our Test and Fee Manual sent to you instead of downloading it from our site, please call our Shipping Department at 607-253-3935. |
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| Urine Bile Acids test discontinued |
1/6/2009 |
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Due to the unavailability of reagents for Urine Bile Acids, the Clinical
Pathology laboratory is discontinuing this test for the foreseeable future. |
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| Result interpretations for Clinical Pathology's chemistry analyzer |
1/1/2009 |
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The Clinical Pathology laboratory now has a new chemistry analyzer, the
Hitachi Modular P, but reference values have not been established yet for
all species (with the exception of alpacas). Therefore we will be using
our old intervals for the next few months. Based on correlations done in
the laboratory between the new and old Hitachi analyzers (which use the
same reagents and procedures), we found some differences which may impact
result interpretation. more >> |
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| Toxoplasma gondii testing temporarily being referred |
1/1/2009 |
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The Wampole TPM-Test IHA that the AHDC has been using to diagnose
Toxoplasma infection in non-feline species is no longer available. Until
other tests are brought online to diagnose infection, requests for
Toxoplasma testing of serum are being referred to the University of
Tennessee. more >> |
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| Submission requirements for EIA testing |
1/1/2009 |
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All test kits used for testing of horses for infection by equine infectious anemia (EIA) virus must be approved by the USDA's Center for Veterinary
Biologics (CVB). All laboratories certified by the USDA to perform EIA
testing, including the AHDC, are required to follow the kit manufacturer's
instructions or run the risk of losing their USDA licenses for performing
EIA tests. In the past, many labs have ignored some of these
specifications; therefore, a rapid education process must be instituted to
inform all practitioners of these specimen requirements. more >> |
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| Convenient Courier Deliveries to the AHDC |
12/5/2008 |
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We now offer FedEx guaranteed “Priority Overnight” Air and Ground shipment labels at discounted rates for shipments of samples to the AHDC. We continue to offer discounted UPS Next-Day Air and Ground services. In addition to scheduled pick-up of individual packages, both couriers will also make arrangements for regular daily package pick-ups at your office. This additional service is offered at no charge by FedEx, and for a nominal weekly charge by UPS.
| FedEx Priority Overnight |
$9.50 |
5 lb. package limit; overnight delivery guaranteed |
| FedEx Ground |
$7.00 |
Next-Day guaranteed for certain zip codes between 01000 - 19599* |
| UPS Next-Day Air |
$14.00 |
any weight or point-of-origin |
| UPS Ground | $7.00 | Next-Day guaranteed for certain zip codes between 01000 - 18848* |
Discounted courier labels can only be purchased through the AHDC. Go to http://www.diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/service/shipping.asp for airbill order forms and for *a list of zip code locations in the northeastern U.S. that qualify for next-day ground delivery. AHDC Shipping can also be contacted directly at 607-253-3935 to fax you an airbill order form. |
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| Holiday hours for the Thanksgiving break |
11/6/2008 |
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Animal Health Diagnostic Center
Thanksgiving Holiday Operating Schedule
Thursday, Nov 27 Thanksgiving - Closed
Friday, Nov 28 Open: 8 AM - 3 PM
Saturday, Nov 29 Open: 9 AM - 1 PM
Monday, Dec 1 Resume Normal Operating Hours
This schedule applies to all AHDC lab sections and facilities, including regional labs. Saturday hours do not apply to regional facilities. |
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| NYS Contract fee increase |
11/6/2008 |
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New York State Contract Case Cap to Increase
Due to budget issues, the charge for cases that qualify for the New York State Contract will increase effective December 1, 2008 from $30 to $50 as a maximum charge for these cases. See summary of the contract, or open a printable version (PDF). |
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| Reserpine LC/MS update |
11/6/2008 |
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Drug Testing for Reserpine LC/MS
Because we strive to offer the best service and most accurate testing possible to our veterinary clients, beginning December 1, 2008, Analytical Toxicology will run all equine plasma samples and other samples requesting analysis for reserpine by Reserpine LC/MS. We have previously offered the choice of Reserpine TLC or Reserpine LC/MS for reserpine analysis, but Reserpine LC/MS is able to detect much lower concentrations of reserpine in a sample (detection limit for Reserpine LC/MS of 20 to 50 parts per trillion), is less likely to be influenced by interference from other compounds, and is more commonly requested. Therefore, Reserpine LC/MS is the preferred analysis and the TLC will no longer be performed. |
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| BVD update for PCR and Serum ACE |
11/6/2008 |
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Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus Update
PCR
Effective October 1, 2008, POOLED BVD PCR testing will be performed, if appropriate, on multiple blood samples submitted for detection of BVDV Persistently Infected (PI) animals unless INDIVIDUAL BVD PCR is indicated. Please note that for cattle and alpaca samples, animals under 61 days of age will not be pooled with animals over 61 days of age. For this reason please fill out the ages or date of birth for all animals. EDTA whole blood is required for animals less than 61 days of age for PCR testing. See Appendix I (PDF) of the AHDC’s Test & Fee Schedule for more information.
Serum ACE
The AHDC has experienced false positives on serum ACE tests for BVDV PI detection in animals that are Bos indicus (Zebu) breeds of cattle such as Brahman. If you suspect that an animal has Bos indicus in the lineage please submit either a fresh ear notch skin sample for ACE testing or request an individual or pooled PCR test on the blood sample(s) submitted. |
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