DCM Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory

SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

To submit animal samples to the Diagnostic Lab, please:

1. Create an iLab sample submission:
   • Follow this link: https://wustl.ilabsolutions.com/sc/6455/dcm-research-diagnostic-laboratory?tab=services
   • OR email (DCMDiagnosticLab@wustl.edu) for additional instructions on setting up or accessing iLab
2. Email DCMDiagnosticLab@wustl.edu BEFORE dropping off your samples to ensure proper sample requirements have been met, and to arrange sample submission
3. Submit samples M-F between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM

CBC and SERUM CHEMISTRY SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS:

CBC + WBC differential:

1. We can run CBCs on as little as 30uL whole blood, however, the minimum sample volume required is based on EDTA tube collection fill volume.  Whole blood should be collected or transferred into an EDTA tube (purple/sometimes pink tops) and gently mixed/inverted by hand 10-15 times. If possible, place tubes onto a rocker for a few minutes to continue mixing the samples.

• • The volume collected should be appropriate for the size or fill volume of the tube used
  • Over- or under-filling tubes can cause clotting and/or red cell lysis, which can affect results.
  • Inadequate mixing can also result in clotting, which can affect results.
  • Please contact us BEFORE collecting blood samples if you have questions about volume requirements.

2. Whole blood samples should be brought to the lab on wet ice to keep them cool and to help prevent clotting.
3. Samples should be brought to the lab within 4 hours of collection.

Serum Chemistry:

1. We can use serum or plasma to run tests; serum is preferred.
   • Please contact the Diagnostic Lab prior to submitting plasma samples
   • When plasma is used, normal levels of most analytes will fall outside serum reference intervals
2. Volume requirement is dependent on the number/types of tests that are run.
   • If you cannot collect the required serum volume, our lab may be able to dilute the serum samples, however this could potentially affect accuracy of the results.  Please email or call the lab with questions about serum volumes or dilutions.
3. Blood should be collected or transferred into a serum separator tube for serum (red or orange tops) or lithium heparin tube for plasma (green top).
4. Most research personnel spin samples down and pipette the serum into separate micro tubes before bringing them to the lab on wet ice.

NOTE: Improper sample submission may result in additional technician time charges.

HISTOPATHOLOGY, HISTOPATHOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION, AND TISSUE SCORING:

Please contact Dr. Leslie Wilson (wleslie@wustl.edu) for more information on diagnostic, experimental and/or investigative histopathology offerings including model phenotypic characterization and tissue scoring studies.

Service available to Washington University only.

Priority service for Washington University only.

Additional information:

Our lab is located just off the Link, on the 2nd floor of CSRB-NT, in DCM Suite 200, which requires WUSTL swipe-card access.  Once you enter the office suite, we are located at the end of the hallway.  Please ring the bell to the left of the double doors, and someone will come to retrieve your samples. If you have a hard time finding us, please call the lab at (314) 362-9095 or email us (DCMDiagnosticLab@wustl.edu).

• Hematology (CBC including automated and manual differential counts)
• Clinical Chemistry (Please contact us for available analytes)
• Microbiology (Bacterial culture, identification and antibiotic sensitivities)
• Parasitology (Fecal flotation and direct smears)
• Gross necropsy (All animal species)
• Histopathology including slide interpretation (diagnostic, experimental, and investigative)
• Experimental Model Phenotype Characterization
• Histologic Tissue Scoring
• Pathogen Testing of Cell Lines and Biologicals (Rodent and/or human pathogen testing)

• Oxford Science Genesis (Small Volume) Hematology Analyzer
• Alfa Wassermann Vet Axcel Chemistry Analyzer
• Thermo Scientific Sensitire ARIS HiQ
• Lipshaw Downdraft Necropsy Tables
• Lipshaw Grosslab Histopathology Cutting Station
• Epredia Excelsior AS Tissue Processor
• Leica HistoCore Arcadia C and Arcadia H Embedding Station
• Leica Autostainer XL
• Leica HistoCore Multicut R Microtome

Pricing is subject to core verification

FY2026 fees:

Note: These are base prices.  Please contact the Diagnostic Lab for any pricing questions or to inquire about pricing for additional services. Full list of prices are also listed on the Diagnostic iLab webpage: https://wustl.ilabsolutions.com/service_center/6455/?tab=services