Where should the blood sample for testing to obtain official EIA results be sent?

• A. The sample must be sent to a USDA-APHIS-approved EIA testing laboratory
• B. The sample can be sent to any private licensed diagnostic laboratory as long as you have a relationship with them.
• C. There is an in-clinic approved ELISA for this test, so it can be run in the clinic as long as you are accredited.
• D. The sample should be sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL)

Answer: (A)

Official EIA results come from laboratories that are approved by USDA-APHIS to perform EIA testing. This approval ensures consistent test methods, quality control, proper chain of custody, and reporting that is recognized for regulatory purposes. If a sample goes to a non-approved lab or is tested in-clinic, the results aren’t considered official for EIA status. An APHIS-approved EIA testing lab, which can include NVSL or other APHIS-authorized state labs, is the proper destination to obtain official results.