|
Comprehensive diagnostic services are offered to veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, the horse racing community, other government departments, etc.
Services are free for farm animals but fees are charged for tests on samples originating from companion animals (dogs, cats), pet birds, horses and exotic animals. Fees are also required for certain tests in Food Microbiology.
Please see Veterinary Services Laboratory Fees Schedule and  VSL_Fees_and_Services.pdf (2008) booklet for the comprehensive list of services offered, as well as detailed information about specimen storage, handling, etc.
Prerequisites
- Companion animals, horses and exotic animals – samples submitted to the lab from these species must be referred by a veterinarian.
- Farm animals – it is preferred that samples submitted to the lab be referred by a veterinarian; however, certain cases may be discussed with one of the government veterinarians before samples are submitted.
- Poultry – cases may be discussed with the Veterinary Pathologist before specimens are submitted.
Steps
- Contact a veterinarian who will examine the animal and take the necessary samples.
- The vet will arrange for submission of the samples. The following forms may be downloaded, completed and returned with the sample:
- Payment of laboratory fees may be discussed with the attending veterinarian.
* Samples may be forwarded to other laboratories for tests that are not performed at VSL or for confirmatory testing.
In Barbados:
Forensic Sciences Centre
Government Analytical Services Laboratory
Leptospira Laboratory
Winston Scott Polyclinic Public Health Laboratory
In Trinidad:
Caribbean Epidemiology Research Centre (CAREC)
In USA:
National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL)
In UK:
Veterinary Laboratory Agency (VLA)
In the case of samples being shipped to a laboratory outside of Barbados, VSL will pack the samples according to IATA regulations.
Please note that although VSL has confidence in these laboratories, it does not monitor their Quality Assurance programs and has no means of verifying results originating from these laboratories.
Outcome
- A written report is generated after each test or series of tests is performed. These reports are verified and signed out by the Veterinary Pathologist.
- Test results are issued to the attending veterinarian only and not to the owner of the animal. The veterinarian is the best person to determine the significance of the laboratory results and implement the appropriate treatment.
* Whereas all personal information included with submissions is held in highest confidence, the data generated from the tests conducted may be used for research and other reports. Additionally, the VSL is bound by law to share results with relevant authorities where withholding the information might pose a national threat to human or animal health.
Samples may be forwarded to other laboratories for tests that are not performed at VSL or for confirmatory testing.
In Barbados:
Forensic Sciences Centre
Government Analytical Services Laboratory
Leptospira Laboratory
Winston Scott Polyclinic Public Health Laboratory
In Trinidad:
Caribbean Epidemiology Research Centre (CAREC)
In USA:
National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL)
Ames,
Iowa
In UK:
Veterinary Laboratory Agency (VLA)
In the case of samples being shipped to a laboratory outside of Barbados, VSL will pack the samples according to IATA regulations.
P
 |
Services Offered 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
