Which types of samples are requested for the Bernese Mountain Dog Repository at Michigan State University (MSU)?
We are collecting cheek swabs, blood samples and frozen tumor samples for the Repository here at Michigan State University. Since correct diagnosis of each tumor is critical for the quality of the Repository, we strongly encourage the diagnostic work-up of each case and highly recommend that a formalin-fixed tissue sample be submitted for histopathology to the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and that we receive a copy of the final pathology report.
How do I obtain the submission form to submit samples to the Repository?
Repository submission form Please print, complete all three pages, sign, and enclose this form with your sample.
How do I obtain the submission form to submit a formalin-fixed tissue sample to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at MSU?
MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory biopsy submittal form should be completed by your veterinarian, then sent formalin fixed samples to the address on the VDL submittal form.
Fixed tissues should not be submitted to the Repository address but directly to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory which is a separate facility from the Repository.
Please send us a copy of the pathology report. You or your veterinarian may send a copy of the pathology report via email to: berners@cvm.msu.edu
What is the cost of submitting a sample to the Repository?
Owners are responsible for the following:
- The cost involved for diagnostic pathology of a formalin-fixed tumor sample submitted to Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Michigan State University or the lab of your veterinarian’s choice. The fee for this service is billed by your veterinarian.
- The shipping costs involved in shipping your sample to the Repository.
- The purchase of sample shipping kits which are available through the Repository, if desired.
Do I have to submit a copy of the submission form with the sample being sent to the Repository if I submitted the form online?
Yes. Please enclose a copy of the completed Repository submission form with the samples that are being submitted to the Repository. This helps in identification of the samples when they are received.
How much does it cost to submit a diagnostic tissue sample to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at Michigan State University?
Veterinarians may contact MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory or call 517-353-1683 to set up an account or to view the current fee schedule for standard biopsy. In some cases, immunohistochemistry is also recommended to confirm the diagnosis for an additional fee.
Why should I submit my diagnostic sample to the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory?
The MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a widely known diagnostic facility and comes highly recommended. It has the capacity to work up all cases to the most definitive diagnosis. It is also beneficial to have all of our submitted samples undergo consistent procedures in the testing of the tissue by the pathologist here at Michigan State University.
Do I need to submit a diagnostic sample if I already have a pathology report from a previously submitted sample?
Please send us a copy of the pathology report. If your pet develops another tumor in the future, we would request a new diagnostic sample submission.
What types of shipping kits are available for purchase from the Repository?
- Cheek swab sample kit: $7.50 – please note we are now recommending that blood be submitted instead of cheek swabs whenever possible.
- Blood sample kit: $10.00 (single sample) $15.00 (multiple samples)
- Frozen Tumor: kit for submission of frozen tissue: $15.00 (does not include dry ice)
Who do I contact to purchase kits for shipping samples to the Repository?
To purchase a shipping kit from MSU, please send an email to Berners@cvm.msu.edu. Please be specific in the type of kit you are requesting and include your address information.
How do I pay for a purchased kit?
Payments for shipping kits are made in the form of a check made payable to Michigan State University. We are not able to accept credit card or other online payments. We recommend that you enclose a check with the samples when returning to Repository (preferred) or you can mail your payment separately to:
Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan
Biomedical Physical Sciences
567 Wilson Road, Room 1104
East Lansing, MI 48824
Do I have to use your shipping supplies?
No, however our supplies are best suited for the samples being submitted and will come with the appropriate shipping directions as well as required labels for shipping of specimens to us.
Most veterinarians have insulated boxes and ice packs for the shipment of blood samples.
Frozen samples MUST be shipped on dry ice, so we strongly recommend that you use one of our frozen tissue shippers, these kits are specifically designed for this purpose and have the REQUIRED shipping labels. Dry ice, a solid form of carbon dioxide, must be used for frozen shipments and must not be mistaken for regular ice or frozen gel packs. Using regular ice or frozen gel packs will NOT keep the tissue frozen and will result in un-useable samples. The shipment of frozen tissue MUST be sent on dry ice in a thick-walled insulated shipper.
Please visit MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, or phone 517-353-1683, to order supplies shipping formalin-fixed tissue shipments.
Where can I obtain dry ice?
An online directory such as www.dryicedirectory.com is available to help find a local distributor. Dry ice can be obtained at a local dairy store, ice cream parlor, or large grocery franchise such as Meijer. Please call ahead to inquire about purchasing dry ice. In some cases, if there is not a distributor in your local area, please contact us and we may be able to ship the dry ice to you.
If the tissue has been collected before a shipping kit or dry ice is available, please keep the tissue in the freezer and frozen.
Dry ice, a solid form of carbon dioxide, is used for frozen shipments and must not be mistaken for ice or frozen gel packs. The shipment of frozen tissue MUST be sent on dry ice. Using regular ice or frozen gel packs will NOT keep the tissue frozen and will result in un-useable samples.
How do I contact the Repository?
The best way to reach is to send us an email. All our submission instructions and forms are on our website.
Email: Berners@cvm.msu.edu
Web: http://cvm.msu.edu/berners
Phone: 517-432-2808
Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan
omedical Physical Sciences
567 Wilson Road, Room 1104
East Lansing, MI 48824