Submission Priority at the NVSL
Submissions arriving at the NVSL are categorized for priority of processing. Mark the priority of a submission on a special label affixed to the outside of the shipping container and on the submittal form. A special label for this purpose is provided in all NVSL-supplied shipping containers.
For assistance in determining the most appropriate priority, contact the Assistant District Director for your State.
Any specimens received without a priority rating will be handled as Priority 3.
The NVSL Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) must be contacted by phone prior to shipment or transport of all diagnostic samples regardless of Priority 1, 2, 3, or A diagnostic sample designation. Arrangements must always be made to pick up the diagnostic samples from the Federal Express office, or meet a courier, or meet counter-to-counter service at an airport or other location. Unless FADDL is notified by phone prior to the shipment or transport, the diagnostic samples will be delayed in delivery to FADDL.
Priority 2
This priority is used when known investigation information indicates it is possible that the observed condition is an FAD/EDI, but it cannot be distinguished from an endemic disease/condition. Therefore, rapid laboratory diagnostic information is necessary. Specimens will be processed the day they are received if the samples reach the laboratory before the close of the workday. Overtime will be used to finish the examination of specimens received before the close of the workday on weekdays and for those received on weekends and holidays. Specimens arriving after the close of the work day will be examined the following day, including weekends. Results will be reported by telephone, fax, and/or computer as they are obtained (progress) and when examination is completed (final).
Contact FADDL, using the phone numbers shown above, prior to shipping a Priority 2 submission to Plum Island.
Priority 3
This priority is used when known investigation information indicates it is unlikely that the observed condition is an FAD/EDI and cannot be distinguished from an enzootic disease or condition. No overtime will be used for these non-emergency cases. Specimens will be processed according to accession number order, unless otherwise directed by the NVSL Case Coordinator or Laboratory Director. A specimen arriving after 4:00 p.m. on Friday will not be processed until Monday or later, depending on the current backlog of cases.
Contact FADDL, using the phone numbers shown above, prior to shipping a Priority 3 submission to Plum Island.
Priority A
This priority is used for those situations where any animals in commerce are held pending the results of testing for an FAD/EDI. It can also be used when other known or potential circumstances surrounding the investigation indicate that it would be prudent to obtain laboratory test results as rapidly as possible, regardless of the likelihood of the presence of an FAD/EDI. Priority A samples are processed in the same manner as Priority 1 samples.
Contact the NVSL (regardless of destination) prior to shipping a Priority A submission. Use the phone numbers shown above.