Veterinary Laboratory Services
Veterinary Laboratory Services provides diagnostic and research pathology services to clinicians at UQ and in the wider community.
We are based in the UQ School of Veterinary Science and support its clinical, research and teaching interests.
Services
Find out about our services in clinical pathology, cytology, histology, microbiology, parasitology, and more.
Anatomical pathology
Anatomical pathologists need a broad-based knowledge and understanding of the pathological and clinical aspects of many diseases to diagnose tissue for disease.
Anatomical pathology is concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the gross, microscopic and molecular examination of organs, tissues and whole bodies (autopsy).
Autopsy is particularly important to establish the cause in cases of sudden or unexpected death, examine disease progression, including the response to treatment or lack of a response.
Submission of biopsies from masses or diseased organs can help with treatment decisions and prognostication.
Anatomical pathology is an important teaching area in the School of Veterinary Science and generates a substantial amount of case study materials used to educate future veterinarians.
We may use samples submitted to Veterinary Laboratory Services, and results generated, for post-reporting for education and research purposes.
Clinical pathology
Veterinarians use clinical chemistry and other laboratory tests to diagnose disease, monitor disease progression or response to therapy, and screen for underlying disease in apparently healthy animals.
Our Clinical Pathology Laboratory offers researchers and students a range of clinical chemistry tests for these purposes, including:
- biochemical profiling services
- haematological analyses
- body fluid examination.
We also provide data for case studies and other projects for School of Veterinary Science staff and external clients.
Histology
The School of Veterinary Science supports both full service and self-service histology. We provide high quality instrumentation and a wide range of services such as tissue processing, microtomy, histo-chemical staining and immunohistochemistry.
The facility can formalin fix samples as well as process existing samples through sectioning and various staining techniques suitable for research use.
We provide training and access to specialised equipment for tissue preparation, slide production and histochemical staining for researchers and students.
The lab also has an extensive sample collection of embedded blocks of tissue that is all referenced and reported on through a research database.
The School has a team of pathologists and residents that are willing to collaborate with other researchers on historical and new samples and draw upon the extensive dataset.
Self and full service
- tissue processing and sectioning
- paraffin embedding
- microtomy
- histochemical staining.
Equipment
- Sakura Tissue Tek VIP®6 AI-E2
- Sakura Hito-Tek® VIP1™
- Leica EG1160 embedding station
- Leica RM2255 rotary microtome
- Leica RM2235 manual rotary microtome
- Microtec CUT 4055 manual rotary microtome
- cassettes printer
- automated stainer and cover slipper
- Dako LINK48 automated IHC system.
For enquiries, email vls@uq.edu.au
Microbiology
The Microbiology Laboratory is central to the teaching and research of infectious diseases in the School of Veterinary Science.
Case material coming through this laboratory forms the basis of case-based teaching of infectious disease courses to third-year veterinary science students. Publications and research projects often start as clinical samples presented to this laboratory, such as recent work on the multiple-drug resistant E. coli.
While most of our work involves routine culture and sensitivity requests, we also deal with the rare, unusual and difficult to grow.
We also perform exotic animal microbiology in the form of diagnostic work for the aquaculture industries, National Parks, the EPA, leading sanctuaries, zoos and tourist parks.
Microbiology Laboratory staff are experienced in herd health programs, including processing milk samples for mastitis screening studies and bovine respiratory disease. In addition to culture and sensitivity, we also produce media supplies for teaching, research or on-farm purposes.
Parasitology
Our Parasitology Laboratory offers routine diagnostic procedures such as faecal floats, faecal egg counts, larval culture and ID.
It also offers a parasite identification service.
Some specimens require referral to experts in particular fields which may affect cost and turnaround time before diagnosis.
Resources
The Veterinary Parasitology website enhances the learning experience of parasitology students by providing a visual guide to help with the identification of major insect, arachnid, helminth and protozoan parasites affecting small and large animals.
It also highlights diagnostic tools commonly used in practice and research.
Post-mortem examinations
A post-mortem, also known as an autopsy (or necropsy in non-human animals), is a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. A specialised team of pathologists usually perform post-mortems.
Pathologists perform a clinical or academic necropsy to find the clinical signs/symptoms of the disease state causing death and in cases of unknown or uncertain death, or for research and teaching purposes. Necropsies usually involve dissections and an internal examination.
Paid diagnostic submissions
All cases must be submitted by a veterinarian.
A supervising pathologist and trainee handle these cases.
You must use a paid diagnostic necropsy submission in all cases which involve or may involve:
- insurance claims or legal claims
- potential legal or liability issues
- research animals with unexpected mortality or adverse events
- reportable/notifiable or suspected zoonotic diseases
- herd health issues
- disease entities where other animals or people are at risk.
We issue reports to the referring veterinarian only.
We strongly encourage veterinarians to submit cases under this paid stream if you need to guarantee fast and highly detailed reports.
Pro bono submissions
All cases must be submitted by a veterinarian.
We receive animals for teaching and research purposes and provide pro bono necropsy examinations.
Students perform necropsies under supervision. Additional testing such as histopathology may be limited or not performed.
Our pathologists may discard animals submitted for necropsies without examination and/or without issuing a report.
We issue limited reports for teaching necropsies to the referring veterinarian. There may be substantial delays in issuing teaching reports and we don't guarantee results or answers to queries.
Under no circumstances will we release reports on pro bono necropsies for insurance, legal or ethics matters.
Horse autopsies
All horses submitted for necropsy must have tested negative by PCR for Hendra virus prior to examination (irrespective of vaccination status) and we can't accept suspected Hendra virus cases for necropsy.
Referring veterinarians can submit samples for Hendra clearance anti-mortem direct to BSL and advise us of the submission and/or testing results. We highly recommend this to shorten post-mortem intervals.
If you submit a horse without prior Hendra exclusion by PCR, we need a minimum of 48 hours prior to examination to allow for testing and clearance. The School of Veterinary Science accepts no liability for issues associated with extended post-mortem interval necessary to undertake Hendra clearance testing.
Educational Memorial Program
Losing a companion animal or pet is difficult, and saying goodbye is never easy. The School of Veterinary Science's long-standing Educational Memorial Program (PDF, 369.8 KB) receives donations of pets which have passed on for the teaching of pathology to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of donating your pet’s body to science and having an autopsy performed to make their legacy a meaningful and lasting contribution to veterinary education. At all times, we treat your animal’s remains with dignity and respect.
Sperm morphology standardisation
The UQ Sperm Morphology Standardisation Program assesses the level of agreement between an individual participant’s assessment of sperm morphology and an overall statistically defined standard.
For an annual fee of $500, we prepare bull semen test samples and send them to you.
We divide five selected bull ejaculates into aliquots so that each participant receives a comparable aliquot of the ejaculate from each bull.
All participants will assess sperm morphology for each test sample and then email their results to us within two weeks of receiving the test samples.
We then provide a confidential written report to each participant morphologist within five weeks of receiving all test results.
We will send you a certificate if you:
- participate in the annual round of sperm morphology assessments of test samples and achieve an acceptable level of agreement with the overall median for at least 3 out of 5 samples assessed
- attend either in person or via Skype/Zoom the annual UQSMSP meeting/workshop.
You can use the certificate in your sperm morphology business communications and marketing material. The certificate is valid for 12 months.
We share lists of certified participants with the Australian Veterinary Association and other relevant industry bodies.
Sperm morphologist who have met UQSMSP standard for 2023-24
- Emma Griffin, Rocky Repro Pty Ltd, Rockhampton
- Tim North, Rocky Repro Pty Ltd, Rockhampton
- Dilhani Hadirampela, Rocky Repro Pty Ltd, Rockhampton
- Greg Powell, Inverell Veterinary Clinic, Inverell
- John Cooper, Just Genes AB Services, Brisbane
- Irene Chua, Just Genes AB Services, Brisbane
- Emily Thompson Queensland Sperm Morphology Laboratory, Goondiwindi
- Judy Felton-Taylor, Queensland Sperm Morphology Laboratory, Goondiwindi
- Kelli Prosser, Queensland Sperm Morphology Laboratory, Goondiwindi
- Dr Viv Perry, Queensland Sperm Morphology Laboratory, Goondiwindi
- Kim Kelly, Kelly Ag Morphology Services, Dalby
- Peter McAuliffe Veterinary Services Pty Ltd, Toowoomba
- Tracy Sullivan, Australian Veterinary Semen Morphology, Broome
- Leeann Smith Beef Breeding Services, Wacol
- Hennie Strydom, Wellington Veterinary Hospital.
How to submit samples
Read our guidelines for preparing your samples and completing request forms. For more information, including prices, email us at vls@uq.edu.au.
Request forms and submission guidelines
Prepare your samples
- Submit each labelled sample (case) in a separate plastic biohazard bag.
- Don't submit samples in rubber gloves or in syringes with needles attached. Such samples pose an unacceptable safety risk to our staff. Veterinary Laboratory Services reserves the right to refuse to process samples that are not submitted appropriately.
- Don't put request forms or paperwork in with samples in the submission bag as samples may leak.
- Remove unnecessary markings on samples or submission bags to avoid confusion. For example, if a sample was marked 'hold' while you waited for the owner’s consent for testing, remove this marking before submitting to our laboratory.
Complete the required request form
- VLS test request form (PDF, 224.6 KB)
- Necropsy request form (PDF, 156.5 KB)
- Body donor program form (PDF, 34.4 KB)
Ensure you:
- fill in as much detail as possible to avoid processing delays
- write as legibly as you can
- include a brief clinical history - is the animal symptomatic?
- mark which tests are required
- clearly mark if submission is urgent
- Equine submissions: indicate Hendra virus vaccination status on the form. If Hendra virus is suspected, contact Biosecurity Queensland immediately.
Submit your samples
Submit your samples and request form to us in person or by post/courier.
Veterinary Laboratory Services
School of Veterinary Science
Building 8114, Level 1
UQ Gatton campus
Gatton 4343, Queensland
Veterinary Laboratory Services adheres to the collection and transport protocols set out by referral laboratories. Once samples leave our premesis, we can only advise based on the referral laboratories’ published turnaround times.
How to submit clinical pathology samples
- Haematology: always submit EDTA. Always submit direct smears, as subtle morphological changes and cellular inclusions are easier to detect on direct smears
- Biochemistry: use SERUM, either a clot activator tube (CAT) or serum separation tube (SST). For general biochemistry, you can also use Lithium Heparin. Some tests, such as Serum Amyloid A (SAA), can only be performed on serum.
- Cytology: submit fluids, such as BAL, synovial, body cavity fluids or CSF, in plain, sterile vials without EDTA.
- Urine: submit in a small, plain, sterile tube. You will need more than 2ml if the sample is to be split for UA and C&S.
- Avian/reptile: submit EDTA blood and direct smears for haematology and Heparin blood for biochemistry.
- PT and APTT testing: correctly fill citrate tubes to the marked line on the tube. Citrate is a liquid anticoagulant. Under-filled or over-filled tubes will produce incorrect results.
- FNA/impression smears: make directly on frosted slides and identify with pencil.
- Special testing such as ACTH endogenous: submit as promptly as possible, as the sample must be spun down and quick-frozen before being dispatched on dry ice.
- Equine submissions: indicate Hendra virus vaccination status on the form. If Hendra virus is suspected, contact Biosecurity Queensland immediately.
How to submit cytology samples
How many slides should I send?
You may send as many slides as you feel are relevant to establish a diagnosis. If you don't indicate a preference, our clinical pathology staff will select and stain five slides for examination by the pathologist on duty. If these slides are non-diagnostic, we can process additional slides at a charge of $10 each.
Always use frosted end slides. You can use pencil to mark the frosted end clearly and permanently.
What makes a good slide?
To assess slides, we need a monolayer of cells (don’t send really thick samples, make two thinner smears if possible).
Ruptured cells are a frequent problem – this may be due to excessive downward pressure to the top of the slide when smearing the sample. Smears should be quickly air-dried after preparation (by either waving in the air or using a hairdryer).
Take fine-needle aspirates with a 21-25-gauge needle and a 3-20ml syringe. The softer the tissue, the smaller the needle and syringe need to be. Even firm tissues shouldn’t require a needle larger than 21 gauge for aspiration, as tissue cores tend to be aspirated, resulting in a poor yield of free cells.
Always clearly label each slide so that pathologists can refer to them in their report (for example, multiple slides from different lymph nodes).
Can I send Diff-Quick stained slides?
If you wish to send slides that have already been stained with Diff-Quick in the clinic and have immersion oil on the slide, we can't assess them because the pathologists’ microscopes aren't fitted with x100 oil immersion objectives.
You can clean slides of oil and re-stain them, but this often adversely affects the quality of the sample.
Which container should I use for fluids?
- Synovial fluid: we prefer samples in EDTA for cytologic examination.
- CSF: always indicate the sample site. Place sample in sterile container. Due to small sample volumes, a sterile collection will allow both cytology and microbiology testing if necessary.
- BAL/trach wash: sterile container
- Pleural/peritoneal cavity: EDTA and/or sterile container
Processing and results turnaround times
Our operating hours
- Operating hours: 8:30am to 4pm
- Pathologists on duty: 9am to 5pm
| Submission | Initial processing | Final result | Exceptions/comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical pathology/haematology | Same day | Same day |
|
| Biochemistry | Same day | Same day | |
| Fluid analysis (with cytology) | Same day | Same day | |
| Microbiology |
| 2 to 3 days |
|
| Parasitology | Within 24 hours | 2 to 3 days | Larval culture: 2 weeks |
|
|
|
|
| Biopsy | Biopsy processing begins within 24 hours | 2 to 3 days |
|
| Post-mortems |
| Depends on urgency and sample type |
Note:
- On rare occasions, circumstances beyond our control may cause an interruption to service.
- Teaching commitments of pathologists, residents and interns may affect report turnaround times.
- We will notify you of any delay.
Test list
See our test list (PDF, 193.3 KB).
Contact
Veterinary Laboratory Services
School of Veterinary Science
The University of Queensland
Building 8114, Level 1
Gatton 4343, Queensland
Email: vls@uq.edu.au
Operating hours
- Operating hours: 8:30am to 4pm
- Pathologists on duty: 9am to 5pm
Educational Memorial Program
Donate your pet's body to the Educational Memorial Program.