This polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is performed on tissue samples from clinically affected fish, or fish showing signs of koi herpesvirus (KHV).

Once we have received your fish samples the results will be ready within 10 days. Samples submitted can either be live fish, whole dead fish or appropriate tissue samples. In the event of a disease outbreak results may take longer than 10 working days. You will be informed of any likely delays when you book.

The fish have to be killed for the test.

What does the test tell me?

If your carp test negative, then this indicates that the individual fish tested are not infected with KHV and are clear of the virus.

If your carp test positive, this indicates those individual fish tested are infected with KHV.

How many fish should be sampled?

One, two or three individual fish should be sampled.

The minimum sample size per order is one fish.

How to take samples and send to CTL

Samples for evaluation can be submitted in one of three ways: as (1) live fish (2) whole dead fish or (3) as samples of visceral organ and gill tissues.

1. Live fish should be packed to meet all UK and EU health and welfare regulations and the method of delivery should not unduly stress the fish. The package should be clearly marked as live fish. All live fish supplied will be humanely killed to provide tissue samples.
2. Whole dead fish may be received either fresh or frozen:
• Fresh or Chilled samples must be submitted at a temperature of between 0ºC and 12ºC, and within 24 hours of death. Packaging for transportation should ensure that the temperature of the samples does not exceed the stated range.
• Frozen samples should be rapidly frozen within 30 minutes post-mortem, and transported and delivered in a frozen state. Packaging for transportation should ensure that the temperature of the samples does not exceed 0ºC at any time.
3. Tissues: remove a mixture of kidney, spleen and brain. The total amount of tissue should be approximately 1.0 gram. These should be sampled into virus transport medium. Most importantly, a second sample of gill tissue (also approximately 1.0 gram) should also be supplied in transport medium. Transport medium will be provided. Tissue samples can be submitted in one of two ways, either as fresh or frozen samples.  
• Fresh tissues samples must be received at a temperature of between 0ºC and 12ºC, and within 24 hours of death. Packaging for transportation should ensure that the temperature of the samples does not exceed the stated range.  
• Frozen tissues samples should be rapidly frozen within 30 minutes post-mortem, and transported and delivered in a frozen state. Packaging for transportation should ensure that the temperature of the samples does not exceed 0ºC at any time.

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 Testing Team
Cefas Weymouth Laboratory
The Nothe, Barrack Road
Weymouth Dorset
DT4 8UB
UK

If you wish to send fish from outside the UK for testing, please seek advice from us on custom and import licence matters before ordering and submitting fish.

Results

Results will normally be returned by email within ten working days of receipt of the samples.

Exceptions to this response time may occur on some occasions (e.g. Easter and Christmas), if this occurs you will be informed of the delay and given an estimated date for the delivery of the result.

Written results are available on request subject to an additional charge of £10.

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 Testing Team”.

Pricing and ordering