How to submit samples
Samples from the UK
- Samples submitted from within the UK may be sent by post or courier.
- Notification must be given by telephone or e-mail.
International sample submission
- Before dispatch, the shipment details must be agreed with The Pirbright Institute and a sample submission form must be completed and included in the shipment.
- Samples dispatched from overseas should be classifed as dangerous goods and must be packaged appropriately.
- Please read our advice on packing dangerous goods.
Submission forms and guidance
Please read the sample submission guidance before sending samples to the Marek's Disease Virus Reference Laboratory.
Download the sample submission guidance (pdf)
A sample submission form must be completed and emailed to MDVRL@pirbright.ac.uk before dispatching samples.
Download the sample submission form (word doc)
A paper copy of the completed form should also be included with the samples.
Sending address
To send samples to the Marek's Disease Virus Reference Laboratory please address the consignment to:
Attention: Marek's Disease Virus Reference Laboratory
The Pirbright Institute
Ash Road, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, GU24 0NF
UK* STORE at -20°C UPON DELIVERY *
Note: it is important to indicate clearly on the outside of the consignment that it should be stored at -20°C on delivery. This is to ensure that the samples are correctly stored immediately upon arrival.
Price list
A test is defined as one sample tested against one serotype of the virus. The testing schedule will be agreed with customer prior to samples being shipped.
All prices are quoted in Pounds Sterling (GBP), excluding VAT, and are subject to VAT.
Prices are valid for samples received by the laboratory from 1 May 2023
Four real-time PCR tests available to detect strains of Mardivirus:
- vMDV: Detects virulent field strains of MDV-1
- CVI988: Detects CVI988/Rispens vaccine strain
- MDV-2: Detects MDV-2 strains
- HVT: Detects herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) and HVT-vectored vaccines
| Test | Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 | Samples | Price per test | Test turnaround time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Real-Time PCR test per sample | Yes | Organs, tumours or pinfeathers of chickens. Poultry house dust. | £55 (up to 5 samples) £35 (6 to 20 samples) £25 (21 or more samples) £125 (per sample) | To be agreed with customer |
| 1 Real-Time PCR test per sample | No | Organs, tumours or pinfeathers of non-chicken avian species. FTA cards | £45 (up to 5 samples) £25 (6 to 20 samples) £15 (21 or more samples) | To be agreed with customer |
| 2 Real-Time PCR tests per sample | Yes | Organs, tumours, pinfeathers of chickens. Poultry house dust. | £90 (up to 5 samples) £60 (6 to 20 samples) £35 (21 or more samples) £175 (per sample) | To be agreed with customer |
| 2 Real-Time PCR tests per sample | No | Organs, tumours or pinfeathers of non-chicken avian species. FTA cards | £65 (up to 5 samples) £35 (6 to 20 samples) £20 (21 or more samples) | To be agreed with customer |
| 3 Real-Time PCR tests per sample | Yes | Organs, tumours or pinfeathers of chickens. Poultry house dust. | £120 (up to 5 samples) £70 (6 to 20 samples) £40 (21 or more samples) £225 (per sample) | To be agreed with customer |
| 3 Real-Time PCR tests per sample | No | Organs, tumours or pinfeathers of non-chicken avian species. FTA cards | £85 (up to 5 samples) £55 (6 to 20 samples) £30 (21 or more samples) | To be agreed with customer |
| 4 Real-Time PCR tests per sample | Yes | Organs, tumours or pinfeathers of chickens. Poultry house dust. | £150 (up to 5 samples) £80 (6 to 20 samples) £45 (21 or more samples) £250 (per sample) | To be agreed with customer |
| 4 Real-Time PCR tests per sample | No | Organs, tumours or pinfeathers of non-chicken avian species. FTA cards | £125 (up to 5 samples) £65 (6 to 20 samples) £35 (21 or more samples) | To be agreed with customer |
Terms and conditions
Reporting of results
Where applicable the results will be provided in the turnaround time provided in the price lists. In the event of a delay, the submitter will be informed by e-mail or phone.
For UK testing: In the event of a positive result for a notifiable disease from a sample, the national competent authority will be informed. Subsequent investigation of suspected disease cases will be undertaken by the competent authority and all further communication should be undertaken through them.
For international testing: Where samples are submitted on behalf of the national competent authority, test results for notifiable diseases will be reported to the submitter and the WOAH / FAO.
Returns
Due to biosecurity regulations, samples received by the MDVRL cannot usually be returned to the sender or forwarded on to other laboratories. Any such requirement should be discussed with MDVRL staff.
Quality assurance
Front line diagnostic assays are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
The Pirbright Institute is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 4025.
Where indicated, testing is carried out to the internationally recognised ISO/IEC 17025.
