Please note:
IZVG’s pathologists work on behalf of veterinary surgeons/practices, diagnosing disease in animals that remain under the care of the referring veterinary surgeon, who retains responsibility for clinical management and treatment of cases.
Our pathologists cannot provide clinical advice directly to other vets’ clients or members of the public based on diagnostic reports.

If a veterinary practice or private client would like a direct consultation with IZVG’s team of experienced clinicians, please contact our office on 01535 692000 or email: admin@izvg.co.uk to discuss this.

Submission

Fixed samples can be sent to IZVG Pathology using the guidelines below.

One of the following submission forms should accompany each sample and be completed as far as possible:

All species excluding aquarium species (fish, coral, aquatic invertebrates etc.)

SUBMISSION FORM

Aquarium species (fish, coral, aquatic invertebrates etc.)

AQUATIC SUBMISSION FORM

Note: Use only fresh supplies of buffered formaldehyde solution of the correct concentration (4% in phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.2 to 7.4. Stock solutions of formaldehyde are typically 40%, pH 3 or 4). Non-buffered or the wrong concentrations of formaldehyde cause poorer fixation and precipitate formalin pigment in tissues, which can confuse analysis. In tropical conditions, fixative should be kept cool to prevent deterioration.

Submitting From Within the UK

All samples for IZVG Pathology should be sent to: IZVG Pathology, Station House, Parkwood Street, Keighley, BD21 4NQ, U.K.

If you wish to send a carcass for post mortem examination, please see the instructions or contact 01535 692000

Submitting From Outside the UK

For EU samples of formalin-fixed invertebrates, fish and reptiles, a generic letter of authorisation should accompany samples to prevent delay.

LETTER OF AUTHORISATION

For samples from non-EU countries, we hold licences to import pathological specimens from many species. Please contact IZVG Pathology (01535 692000) in advance of your first submission so we check that the correct licence is in place, and send you a copy for use with your submission. Some species groups (e.g. ungulates and birds) may be subject to different requirements to others. We can apply for additional licences and/or import permits if there is an expectation of ongoing work from countries for which we do not already hold licences.

The current list of countries for which we have licences, and the sample types and species covered by those licences.

CURRENT LICENCES

Please note that when submitting samples from abroad using one of these licences, the sender must ensure

1. Samples are appropriately packaged and labelled to indicate that the samples are for in vitro diagnostic use and not for human or animal consumption
2. You include a copy of the import licence
3. You include a commercial document listing:
• Description of material and species of origin
• Statement that the material is Category 1 as defined in Articles 8, 9. 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009
• Quantity of material
• Place of origin and despatch of the material
• Name and address of person sending the material
• IZVG Pathology name and address
• EXAMPLE DOCUMENT
4. You include a veterinary declaration on headed/official notepaper from the sender confirming:
• You include a veterinary declaration on headed/official notepaper from the sender confirming:
• That the products are NOT derived from animals known or suspected to be infected with a pathogen which causes a notifiable disease to which animals from which the products are derived are susceptible according to European Regulations (Council Directive 82/894/EEC) or the Animal Health Regulations of the exporting country; and
• That the products DO NOT originate from animals in a premises or region or zone of a country that is subject to official restrictions due to a notifiable disease to which the animals are susceptible according to European or other National Animal Health Regulations.
• EXAMPLE DECLARATION
5. CITES documentation for species listed in the CITES appendices

To obtain CITES permits you will need to obtain an export permit from the CITES Authority in your own country, and we will need original copies of this to enable us to apply for an import permit from the UK CITES Authority. Without original copies of both permits, samples will be refused entry at the Border Inspection Post and may be destroyed. Please contact IZVG in advance of a CITES species submission and we will provide assistance with the process.

Our registered premises for licenced samples from abroad is:
IZVG Pathology
Station House
Parkwood Street
Keighley
BD21 4NQ
United Kingdom