Diagnostic Testing Guidelines
Diagnostic Testing Sampling & Shipping Guidelines
CentralStar’s laboratories perform both diagnostic testing, as well as DHI milk analysis, making sample submission convenient and economical.
Our experienced laboratory technicians process more than 6 million blood, milk, fecal and tissue samples annually using state of the art techniques including infrared spectroscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR and more. Our labs are certified by National Dairy Herd Information Services (DHI) and Quality Certification Services (QCS).
SELECT A SPECIE FOR TEST AVAILABILITY & GUIDELINES
Dairy & Beef Cattle
Individual Milk Sample
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial, can be single quarter or composite of all quarters
- Clean vial – with or without preservative
- 40 mL / 1.5 ounces / 1/8 cup
- Fresh or frozen
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLV ELISA | Minimum 7 days post-fresh | $6.50 | 5 |
| BVD ELISA | Minimum 7 days post-fresh | $6.50 | 5 |
| Johne’s ELISA | Minimum 7 days post-fresh | $6.50 | 5 |
| Pregnancy ELISA | Minimum 60 days post-fresh and 28 days post breeding | $4.75 | 1 |
| A1/A2 PCR | Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $13.75 | 10 |
| BVD PCR – Individual | Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $40.00 | 10 |
BVD PCR – Pooled
|
Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $2.50 | 10 |
| Mastitis Complete 16 PCR – Individual | Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $40.00 | 2 |
Mastitis Complete 16 PCR – Pooled
|
Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $10.00 | 2 |
| Mastitis Contagious 3 PCR – Individual | Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $30.00 | 2 |
Mastitis Contagious 3 PCR – Pooled
|
Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $8.00 | 2 |
| Mastitis Single Target PCR – Individual | Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $14.25 | 2 |
Mastitis Single Target PCR – Pooled
|
Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $4.00 | 2 |
| Component Analysis (includes Butterfat, Protein, SCC) | Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $1.50 | 1 |
| Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) | Minimum 4 days post-fresh | $1.50 | 1 |
Bulk Tank Sample
Sample Requirements:
- Bulk tank samples contain milk from multiple animals in one vial
- Clean vial, with or without preservative
- 40 mL / 1.5 ounces / 1/8 cup
- Fresh or frozen
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| BVD PCR – Maximum of 240 cows per tank sample | $40.00 | 10 |
| Mastitis Complete 16 PCR – Individual | $40.00 | 2 |
| Mastitis Contagious 3 PCR – Individual | $30.00 | 2 |
| Mastitis Single Target PCR – Individual | $14.25 | 2 |
| Component Analysis (includes Butterfat, Protein, SCC) | $1.50 | 1 |
| Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) | $1.50 | 1 |
Blood Sample – Red-top Tube
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial
- Red top – no additive blood tube, serum separator OK
- 4 mL minimum
- Fresh only, do not freeze
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLV ELISA | Greater than 6 months of age | $6.50 | 5 |
| BVD ELISA | Any age | $6.50 | 5 |
| Johne’s ELISA | Greater than 2 years of age | $6.50 | 5 |
| Pregnancy ELISA | Greater than 28 days post breeding | $4.00 | 1 |
| Neospora ELISA (Wis. Lab only) | Greater than 6 months of age | $6.50 | 5 |
Blood Sample – Purple-top Tube
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial
- EDTA -Purple top blood tube
- 4 mL minimum, tube must be 3/4 full for proper dilution with anticoagulant
- Fresh only, do not freeze
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLV ELISA | Greater than 6 months of age | $6.50 | 5 |
| Johne’s ELISA | Greater than 2 years of age | $6.50 | 5 |
| Pregnancy ELISA | Greater than 28 days post breeding | $4.00 | 1 |
| A1/A2 PCR | Any age | $13.75 | 10 |
| BVD PCR – Individual | Any age | $40.00 | 10 |
|
Any age | $3.70 | 10 |
|
Any age | $12.00 | 10 |
Tissue Sample – Ear Notch
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial
- Clean vial, no preservative
- Notch must be at least 1 cm on at least one side
- Fresh or frozen
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1/A2 PCR | Any age | $13.75 | 10 |
| BVD ELISA | Any age | $6.50 | 5 |
| BVD PCR – Individual | Any age | $40.00 | 10 |
BVD PCR – Pooled
|
Any age | $3.70 | 10 |
Fecal Sample
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial
- Clean vial – no preservative
- 4 grams / 1 teaspoon
- Fresh or frozen
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johne’s PCR – Individual | Greater than 2 years of age | $40.00 | 10 |
|
Greater than 2 years of age | $12.00 | 10 |
Sheep & Goats
Blood Sample – Red-top Tube
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial
- Red top – no additive blood tube, serum separator OK
- 4 mL minimum
- Fresh only, do not freeze
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johne’s ELISA | Greater than 2 years of age | $6.50 | 5 |
| Pregnancy ELISA | Goats: greater than 28 days post breeding; Sheep: greater than 35 days post breeding | $4.00 | 1 |
Individual Milk Sample
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial, can be single quarter or composite of all quarters
- Clean vial with or without preservative
- 40 mL / 1.5 ounces / 1/8 cup
- Fresh or frozen
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastitis Complete 16 PCR – Individual | Minimum 4 days post fresh | $40.00 | 2 |
|
Mastitis Complete 16 PCR – Pooled
|
Minimum 4 days post fresh | $10.00 | 2 |
| Component Analysis (includes Butterfat, Protein, SCC) | Minimum 4 days post fresh | $1.50 | 1 |
| Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) | Minimum 4 days post fresh | $1.50 | 1 |
Water Buffalo & Bison
Blood Sample – Purple-top Tube
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial
- EDTA -Purple top blood tube
- 4 mL minimum, tube must be 3/4 full for proper dilution with anticoagulant
- Fresh only, do not freeze
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy ELISA | Greater than 30 days post breeding | $4.00 | 1 |
Individual Milk Sample
Sample Requirements:
- One animal per vial, can be single quarter or composite of all quarters
- Clean vial with or without preservative
- 40 mL / 1.5 ounces / 1/8 cup
- Fresh or frozen
* $10 submission fee per order. Testing billed upon sample receipt.
* CentralStar laboratory services are intended solely for the detection of specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types. These services do not evaluate, certify, or guarantee the safety of milk for human consumption.
| Available test options (all can be performed on a single sample per animal) | When to perform test | Price per sample | Turnaround time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastitis Complete 16 PCR – Individual | Minimum 4 days post fresh | $40.00 | 2 |
|
Mastitis Complete 16 PCR – Pooled
|
Minimum 4 days post fresh | $10.00 | 2 |
| Component Analysis (includes Butterfat, Protein, SCC) | Minimum 4 days post fresh | $1.50 | 1 |
| Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) | Minimum 4 days post fresh | $1.50 | 1 |
Packaging
- Place sample containers in cardboard box. When including ice packs, use Styrofoam cooler box.
- Pack absorbent material (such as paper towels) around samples to soak up the contents in the event of leakage. Samples can be placed in individual plastic bags for extra protection against leaks.
- Place frozen ice packs over samples for proper cooling during shipping. (Only necessary in warm weather).
- Include Sample Submission Form(s). Place inside container in a plastic bag to avoid damage from any leakage or condensation.
- Seal shipping container with packaging tape.
Shipping
- Ship samples Monday – Wednesday to avoid weekend deliveries.
- United States Postal Service (USPS), UPS, or FedEx are acceptable carriers.
- Samples should arrive at the laboratory within two days whenever possible to avoid degradation.
- When using shipping arranged by CentralStar
- United States Postal Service (USPS): If size appropriate, box can be put in your mailbox. If the box is too large, contact your postal carrier or take to post office.
- UPS: Contact UPS directly for a pickup or take to local UPS drop-off location.
- When shipping from Canada, include the U.S. Department of Agriculture import permit with shipping documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much sample is required for each test type?
- Individual milk or bulk tank: 40 mL (1.5 ounces / 1/8 cup)
- Blood (red-top or purple-top tube): Minimum 4 mL (tube must be ¾ full for purple-top)
- Tissue (ear notch): At least 1 cm on one side
- Fecal: 4 grams (1 teaspoon)
2. Can multiple tests be performed on a single sample?
Yes. All listed tests can be run on a single sample per animal, provided the sample meets the requirements for that test type.
3. What is the minimum time post-fresh or post-breeding before testing?
- ELISA tests: Minimum 7 days post-fresh (except pregnancy ELISA, which is 60 days post-fresh & 28 days post-breeding)
- PCR tests: Minimum 4 days post-fresh
- Pregnancy ELISA (blood): ≥28 days post-breeding (species-specific: goats ≥28 days, sheep ≥35 days, bison ≥30 days)
4. Can I freeze samples?
- Milk, tissue, feces: Fresh or frozen
- Blood (red-top & purple-top): Fresh only (do not freeze)
5. What is the difference between pooled and individual PCR testing?
- Individual testing: Each animal sample is tested separately.
- Pooled testing: The lab combines samples (minimums: 3–20 depending on test) to reduce costs. If a pooled test is positive, follow-up individual testing may be required.
6. How long do test results take?
- ELISA tests: 1–5 days
- PCR tests: 2–10 days (depending on type)
- Component Analysis & MUN: 1 day
7. Can sheep, goats, bison, and water buffalo be tested?
Yes. Specific blood and milk tests are available for sheep, goats, and water buffalo/bison (primarily pregnancy and Johne’s testing).
8. What are the sample packaging requirements?
- Place samples in a cardboard box; use a Styrofoam cooler with ice packs if needed
- Pack absorbent material (paper towels, etc.) around samples
- Place submission forms inside a sealed plastic bag
- Seal the container with packaging tape
9. When should ice packs be used?
Only in warm weather or when shipping may expose samples to heat. Place frozen ice packs over the samples for proper cooling.
10. How should I ship samples?
- Ship Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays
- Acceptable carriers: USPS, UPS, or FedEx
- Samples should reach the lab within 2 days
11. How do I ship from Canada?
Include the U.S. Department of Agriculture import permit with your shipping documents.
12. What happens if my samples leak during shipping?
The lab will contact you if your samples arrive in unusable condition.
13. Can I combine multiple animal samples into one vial?
- Individual milk samples: One animal per vial only
- Bulk tank milk: Milk from multiple animals may be combined into one vial
14. Which tests will tell me if my milk is safe to drink?
CentralStar laboratory services detect specific microorganisms or viruses in approved sample types but do not evaluate or certify milk safety for human consumption.
15. Is there a submission fee for testing orders?
Yes. A $10 submission fee applies per order, regardless of the number of samples.