Please be aware the we have learnt that DEFRA intend to impose a time limit of 72
hours between samples being taken by the client and tested by the laboratory. We
are sure that the BEIC Lion Code may also require producers to follow this rule
in the near future.
Because of this intention, samples that fall outside this time frame will not be
able to have the laboratories UKAS accreditation mark on the result form. This is
because the sample is outside the requirement for good practice and the result of
the examination may not accurately reflect the condition of the sample (and the
salmonella status) when it was taken. In the future it may well be that samples
outside this time frame will not count as a valid sample, and whilst the sample
could still be set it up at the laboratory the sample would fail a farm audit. Whilst
re-sampling may be an option for birds during lay, please be aware that it may not
be possible for pre-stocking swabs and the other time critical samples such as Liners
or DOA’s.
To avoid this we would strongly recommend not to take or post samples on a Friday
or Saturday, and to ensure they are sent by First Class Delivery.
Links
Salmonella Testing Kit Order Form
Salmonella Laboratory Submission Form (pdf)