Sample collection

Question 1

Sample collection site

Answer 1

Pathogenesis and CS important to collect from the right site
Blood may not be useful (no viremia)

Question 2

Timing of sample collection

Answer 2

Max conc. @ the onset of CS, ↓ a few days after

Question 3

Fixation or no fixation of samples

Answer 3

Fixation for histopathology
Non-fixed for EM and PCR

Question 4

How can tissues be fixed?

Answer 4

10% neutral buffered formalin
Undiluted buffered formalin concentrates (37% formaldehyde) not used→ dilute 10% with water

Question 5

Swabs require ____________

Answer 5

Special media

Question 6

Temperature and media

Answer 6

Virus isolation sample kept cold and moist, not frozen unless kept for weeks (IF with nitrogen)

Question 7

Sampling methods of the intestines

Answer 7

Swab, endoscopic biopsy

Question 8

Swab for intestines

Answer 8

Diarrhea
Insert → press on mucosa and rotate → place swab in special medium → store between cool pads

Question 9

Endoscopic biopsy for intestines

Answer 9

For chronic diarrhea, vomit, WL or intestinal mass
Mucosa lining, surgical biopsy may be required

Question 10

Fecal material for intestines

Answer 10

Suspected intestinal infection or diarrhea
Collect in tight container
Store between cold pads

Question 11

Sampling methods for skin lesions

Answer 11

Vesicles or punch biopsy

Question 12

Closed vesicles

Answer 12

Aspirate fluid with a syringe → place in a tight container → store between cold pads

Question 13

Opened vesicles

Answer 13

Swab/ smear skin areas

Question 14

Punch biopsy

Answer 14

For cutaneous, pigmented, and inflammatory lesions and chronic skin disorders
Local anesthetic and suturing may be required
Store in formalin

Question 15

Skin other than lesions (ear notch for BVD)

Answer 15

Easy to collect and ship
Not affected by presence of maternal Abs
Multiple tests with one sample
Shipped dry, in PBS or stored frozen

Question 16

Oral and nasal cavities

Answer 16

Swab: insert, press firm and rotate, store in tight container and between cold pads
Secretions: Aspirate with syringe (no needle), place in tight container and store between cold pads
Smear: standard and thick line

Question 17

Endometrium (mare)

Answer 17

Non-pregnant mare in estrus or true anestrus
During late estrus (best time)
Use guarded 25’ swab

Question 18

How do you use the guarded swab on the cervix or endometrium

Answer 18

Sterile, use disposable plastic lubricated vagina speculum to insert the guarded swab

Question 19

Other female genitalia in the mare

Answer 19

External os of the cervix (if not pregnant)
Clitoral fossa (standard swab, 8 in)
Clitoral sinuses (steril minitip swab on aluminum wire shaft, central sinus,)

Question 20

T/F: Do not wash external genitalia unless evidence of severe soiling

Answer 20

TRUE
use sterile saline and cotton

Question 21

Culture sites of male genitals

Answer 21

Distal end of the urethra
Fossa glandis (360 degrees around)
Urethral sinus (into the diverticulum)
Shaft of the penis/ prepuce
Semen (with artificial vag)

Question 22

Volume of specimen type

Answer 22

Resp tract: 5-10 mL of fluid
CNS: 0.5-1 mL of CSF
Blood: 8-10 mL

Question 23

Steps before sending off sample

Answer 23

1. Label with species, #, tissue location
2. Case history
3. Meds and abx used
4. list of differentials and presumptive dx

Question 24

Categories of viral infections

Answer 24

Category A: send to the state vet
Category B: Everyday virus