KHV ELISA Test: instructions for customers
How many fish should be sampled?
Either 20% of the fish population (batch, shipment, pond population, etc) or 10 fish, whichever is the greater number.
The minimum sample size is 10 fish.
For large sample sizes (e.g. populations of over 200 fish) please contact us for advice.
Example 1: For a population of 40 fish we will need 10 individual fish samples. (20% of 40 is only 8 fish, which is below our minimum sample size for the test.)
Example 2: For a shipment of 100 fish we will need 20 samples.
Sample pooling
For populations exceeding 200 fish the samples can be pooled in 2’s or 3’s. This reduces the number of test tubes you will need to send and cuts down on your packing and postage costs.
Example 3: For a shipment of 200 fish. 20% of 200 is 40, so 40 fish must be sampled. Two samples can be pooled together in each test tube. In this example only 20 test tubes are sent to us, containing the 40 samples required for testing.
You are strongly advised to contact CTL to discuss sample pooling if you are interested in this option.
Please Note: That the more homogenous the original population (i.e. fish obtained from the same source) the more accurate this test becomes.
How to take samples
Blood samples must be taken by a veterinary surgeon or other suitably qualified person.
Samples for evaluation can be submitted ONLY as chilled blood serum samples. Serum is the liquid fraction of blood left after separation from the blood cells.
Blood samples of between 0.4 ml and 0.5 ml need to be taken from each fish.
The blood samples from each fish should be kept separate, except where pooling of samples has been discussed and agreed with CTL (see above).
Samples must either be:
- Stored in suitable plastic or glass tubes in a refrigerator overnight at 4° to 10°C to allow the serum and blood cells to separate.
The next day remove the serum (the liquid lying above the blood cells) with a pipette into a clean tube
Or
- Centrifuged after 1-2 hours.
Minimum / maximum force: 500g – 1,000g
For 5 to 10 minutes
How to send serum samples to CTL
Serum samples must be tested by CTL within 48 hours of removal from the fish.
Serum samples must remain chilled between 2ºC and 12ºC during transport.
The order number issued on your on-line booking receipt and your name and address must be enclosed with your samples.
The customer is responsible for all costs associated with the collection and transport of the samples.
Samples for testing can only be received from 08:30 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday.
Deliveries outside these times will be rejected unless by prior arrangement with CTL.
Using NEXT DAY DELIVERY send samples to:
Attn: KHV ELISA
Cefas Weymouth Laboratory
The Nothe, Barrack Road
Weymouth Dorset
DT4 8UB
UK
There are no importation issues if you wish to send blood samples from outside the UK for screening, but please be aware of the time constraints for the accuracy of the test. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Results
Results will normally be returned by email within 8 working days of receipt of the samples.
Exceptions to this response time may occur on some occasions (e.g. Easter, Christmas, and disease outbreaks) If this occurs you will be informed of the delay and given an estimated date for the delivery of the result.
Written (signed and posted) results are available on request subject to an additional charge of £10.
Results will only be released once your payment has been received by CTL.
Our contact details
If you have any questions or wish to discuss your requirements please contact us:
Email: info@cefastechnology.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1305 206600 and ask for “KHV ELISA”.