Serology Testing
Sample Collection & Shipping Guidelines
Opti-Spot® Sample Collection
- Materials required
- Opti-Spot card (available from IDEXX BioAnalytics for no charge)
- Lancet or needle
- Sample labeling
- Label one Opti-Spot card with a unique identification number for each sample strip.
- Opti-Spot cards and strips
- The Opti-Spot cards are constructed with 5 individual strips separated by perforations. The strips are easily separated along the perforation lines for individual use.
- On each strip, a 1.0 cm2 circle is printed on the face of the Opti-Spot membrane as a guide. It is not necessary that the blood spot be centered within the circle.
- Opti-Spot sample collection
- Ante-mortem blood samples may be obtained by lancing the lateral saphenous, facial or the temporal vein. Touch the Opti-Spot membrane to blood drop as it forms on the surface of the skin.
- If the blood sample is taken by cardiocentesis, quickly dispense one drop of whole blood onto the Opti-Spot strip.
- The blood spot should be of sufficient size (approximately 1 cm2) to nearly fill the printed circle and be of sufficient volume to saturate the membrane. The blood spot will appear similar on both sides of the membrane.
- Allow the blood spot to dry for a minimum of one hour.
- Once dried, fold the protective upper tab over the blood spot and tuck under the lower tab.
- Sample Shipment
- It is important that the Opti-Spot strip is protected from moisture. Once dry, place Opti-Spot samples in a water-tight plastic bag containing the provided silica gel desiccant pack, and ship samples in a standard overnight envelope.
Ship samples to:
Phone Number:
Email:
Have questions or need additional information?
Let's get you connected to an experienced account manager or customer support representative. Call 1-800-669-0825 or 1-573-499-5700, email idexxbioanalytics@idexx.com or fill out the form below.
Sample Collection Kit Request
Please use this form to request sample collection materials: Opti-Spot® cards, swabs, tubes, or REPLACE® matrices. Requested supplies will ship within 4-7 business days via FedEx. In order to help clients manage resources, we suggest ordering supplies to cover 3 months’ worth of testing.
If you have questions regarding order status, tracking, or changes to your order, please contact us at bioanalytics-lss@idexx.com.
For all other inquiries, please contact idexxbioanalytics@idexx.com.
Animal Health Monitoring Online Submission Guide
A quick reference guide to Animal Health Monitoring sample submissions in our online portal.