The University of Georgia (UGA) Diagnostic Lab is a state-of-the-art facility that provides comprehensive diagnostic services to the veterinary community, pet owners, and researchers. Located in Athens, Georgia, the lab is part of the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine and is staffed by experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support personnel. The lab offers a wide range of diagnostic tests and services, including bacteriology, virology, parasitology, serology, molecular diagnostics, and necropsy services.
Diagnostic Services
The UGA Diagnostic Lab provides a broad spectrum of diagnostic services to help veterinarians and researchers diagnose and manage diseases in animals. Some of the key services offered by the lab include:
- Bacteriology: The lab offers a range of bacteriology tests, including bacterial isolation and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular typing of bacterial isolates.
- Virology: The lab provides virology testing services, including virus isolation, identification, and molecular detection of viral pathogens.
- Parasitology: The lab offers parasitology testing services, including fecal examinations, blood parasite testing, and identification of parasites in tissues and other specimens.
- Serology: The lab provides serology testing services, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) testing for a range of infectious diseases.
- Molecular Diagnostics: The lab offers molecular diagnostic testing services, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, to detect and characterize infectious agents and genetic disorders.
Necropsy Services
The UGA Diagnostic Lab also offers necropsy services, including gross examination, histopathology, and toxicology testing. The lab’s experienced pathologists and technicians work closely with veterinarians and researchers to provide comprehensive necropsy reports and help diagnose the cause of death or disease in animals.
| Diagnostic Test | Turnaround Time | Sample Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteriology | 24-48 hours | Tissue, blood, or other specimen |
| Virology | 24-72 hours | Tissue, blood, or other specimen |
| Parasitology | 24 hours | Fecal sample or tissue specimen |
| Serology | 24-48 hours | Serum or plasma sample |
| Molecular Diagnostics | 24-72 hours | Tissue, blood, or other specimen |
Research and Development
The UGA Diagnostic Lab is also involved in research and development activities, focusing on the diagnosis and control of emerging and zoonotic diseases. The lab’s research team collaborates with other institutions and organizations to develop new diagnostic tests and technologies, and to improve existing diagnostic methods. Some of the current research areas include:
- Emerging diseases: The lab is working on the development of diagnostic tests for emerging diseases such as COVID-19 and African swine fever.
- Zoonotic diseases: The lab is researching the diagnosis and control of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and brucellosis.
- Antimicrobial resistance: The lab is investigating the development of diagnostic tests to detect antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates.
Education and Training
The UGA Diagnostic Lab also provides education and training opportunities for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and students. The lab offers workshops, seminars, and online courses on diagnostic testing and interpretation, and provides hands-on training in laboratory procedures and techniques.
What types of samples can be submitted to the UGA Diagnostic Lab?
+The UGA Diagnostic Lab accepts a wide range of samples, including tissue, blood, feces, and other specimens. Please contact the lab for specific sample requirements and submission guidelines.
How long does it take to receive test results from the UGA Diagnostic Lab?
+Turnaround times for test results vary depending on the type of test and the complexity of the case. Please contact the lab for estimated turnaround times and to discuss your specific testing needs.
Can I submit samples to the UGA Diagnostic Lab for research purposes?
+Yes, the UGA Diagnostic Lab accepts samples for research purposes. Please contact the lab to discuss your research needs and to obtain a quote for testing services.
