Frequently Asked Questions for Submitting Clinics
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page for Auburn University’s Serology-Virology Laboratory. This resource provides guidance on specimen collection and submission, shipping requirements, test options, turnaround times, and result reporting. Our goal is to help veterinarians navigate the submission process efficiently and ensure the highest quality diagnostic testing services for their patients and clients. Reviewing this information before submitting samples can help ensure timely processing and reporting of results.
To help us respond as quickly as possible, please email rabies@auburn.edu. We do not accept phone calls.
Submission Requirements
- What forms are required?
FAVN Testing
- Completed FAVN Report Form (PDF)
Expedited FAVN
- Online Expedited FAVN request
- Completed paper FAVN Report Form (PDF)
NOTE: Both online confirmation and paper forms must accompany the shipment.
- What is the veterinarian responsible for?
The submitting veterinarian is responsible for:
- Accurate completion of forms
- Blood collection
- Verification of microchip information
- Scan and verify the microchip immediately before blood collection.
- Ensure the microchip number on the submission form exactly matches the scanned number.
- Verify the microchip number matches all travel documentation.
- Ensuring all required information is included prior to submission
Incomplete forms may delay testing.
Sample Collection and Handling
- What sample type is required?
Serum is required.
- Are separator tubes acceptable?
Yes. However, transferring serum into a non-additive tube prior to shipment is recommended.
- What is the minimum sample volume?
1.0–2.0 mL serum recommended.
- Is fasting required?
Not routinely, but an 8–12 hour fast may reduce lipemia.
- What are the sample storage recommendations?
- Refrigerate: 7–10 days
- Freeze at -20°C for long-term storage
- What about hemolyzed or lipemic samples?
Mild hemolysis/lipemia may be acceptable. A simple assessment is to hold the serum tube up to printed text; if the print is visible through the sample, it is generally acceptable for testing.
A toxic result indicates that the submitted sample adversely affected the cell culture system used for testing, preventing accurate interpretation. This may occur with severely hemolyzed, contaminated, lipemic, or improperly handled specimens.
Packaging and Shipping
- What are the packaging requirements?
Include:
- Properly labeled sample tube
- Absorbent material
- Secondary sealed bag
- Frozen gel pack
- Submission paperwork in separate bag
- What are the labeling requirements for pet travel samples?
The sample tube must contain:
- Animal name
- Microchip number
Unlabeled travel samples will be canceled.
- What are the shipping recommendations?
- Monday–Friday delivery only
- No weekend deliveries
- FedEx or clinic-preferred carrier acceptable
- What about international shipments?
Include:
- Customs Declaration (PDF)
- Copy of forms outside package
- Original paperwork inside shipment
- Are biohazard labels required?
FAVN samples are generally classified as exempt animal specimens.
- Where should samples be shipped?
The Serology-Virology Lab is open to accept packages Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm Central time (CT), excluding state holidays. Send samples to:
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Serology-Virology Lab
350 Greene Hall Annex
Auburn, AL 36849-5519
Testing and Results
- What are the FAVN turnaround times?
Please refer to the laboratory website for current estimates.
- What are the RFFIT turnaround times?
Typical turnaround:
- 1–2 weeks
Retesting may extend turnaround time.
- Who receives the results?
Results are emailed to the submitting veterinary clinic.
Certain destinations also receive reports directly from the laboratory.
Report Corrections and Reissues
- How can corrections be requested?
Before testing begins:
- Contact the laboratory directly
After finalization:
- Corrections are reviewed according to laboratory policy
- Requests should be submitted via email rabies@auburn.edu
- How are reissued reports requested?
Requests must be submitted by the submitting veterinary clinic.
- How do I contact the laboratory?
- For questions regarding submissions, corrections, or testing, please email rabies@auburn.edu.
- To ensure timely responses, the laboratory does not accept phone inquiries.
Laboratory Policies
- What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation requests must:
- Be submitted in writing
- Be received before testing begins
- Does the laboratory accept owner-submitted samples?
No. The veterinary clinic is considered the submitting client.
RFFIT Testing Information
- What is the difference between RFFIT screen and endpoint?
- Endpoint: quantitative titer
- Screen: qualitative positive/negative threshold
- Can RFFIT be used for international pet travel?
No. FAVN is required for rabies-free destinations.
- What is a passing RFFIT titer?
Many authorities consider ≥ 0.50 IU/mL acceptable for presumed protection.
General Serology Testing
- What is the difference between screening and endpoint?
- Endpoint: exact titer
- Screen: positive/negative threshold
- What are the other available serology assays?
Refer to:
- What are the specimen requirements?
Requirements vary by assay. Consult the online catalog prior to submission.