UF Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
Molecular Fungal ID Lab
Specializing in the use of molecular assays to identify fungal organisms in animal tissues.
The Molecular Fungal ID Lab is focused on using molecular assays for identification of fungal organisms in animal tissues. In particular, we run panfungal PCR and sequencing in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues and cytology slides. The assay can be run on different animal species and tissue samples. We evaluate and provide a description including images for the submitted histology or cytology sections, and we attempt to correlate the amplified and sequenced fungal organisms with the fungal morphology observed histologically/cytologically.
Sample Guidelines
Send a paraffin block plus 1 H&E stained slide and 1 GMS/PAS stained slide or stained cytology slides. You may submit paraffin blocks and slides at room temperature in a bubble mailer.
The paraffin blocks can be returned upon request (shipping fee applies). If formalin fixed samples or only the block is submitted, additional fees will apply for processing the specimen and for processing routine and special stains on histological slides.
Due to the potential for environmental contamination, we discourage submission of histological scrolls. We understand that some labs have strict guidelines and do not want to ship paraffin blocks, and in those situations, 50μm of tissue from paraffin block can be submitted in a sterile, DNA and RNA free tube together with one H&E slide and one GMS/PAS stained slide. In that case, we recommend a new microtome blade be used and the microtome be cleaned with DNA away prior to sectioning of scrolls for PCR.
Sample Submission
To submit samples, please:
- Click the button below to access our request form
- Complete all sections (samples will not be processed unless the form is completed)
- Email the form to diagnosticlabs@vetmed.ufl.edu
- Print and include the form with your samples
- Ship completed form and samples to:
- UF Molecular Fungal ID Lab
2015 SW 16th Ave. Room VS-50
Gainesville, FL 32608
- UF Molecular Fungal ID Lab
Lab Fees
- Panfungal PCR and sequencing (FFPE or cytology): $161.30
- Panfungal PCR and sequencing (FFPE or cytology) – add-on tissue for same patient: $79.10
- Processing of formalin fixed or fresh specimens (includes H&E and GMS slides): $52.30
- H&E slide staining (unstained slide submitted): $7.80
- H&E Slide: $18.10
- GMS/PAS slide staining (unstained slide submitted): $15.10
- GMS/PAS slide: $22.50
Click the button below for a complete list of labs fees and invoice codes.
Processing Time
Our case turnaround time can be up to 15 business days (3 weeks). We normally get results within about 7 business days. However, if we receive poor quality sequences, we repeat the PCR and sequencing reaction free of charge. In this situation, a report will only be sent out to clients after we repeat the PCR reaction and receive new sequences.
Research
Our lab is also interested in research projects involving fungal infections in animal species. Contact us if you are interested in a collaborative project and would like to submit research samples.
2021
Diagnostic Accuracy of a Direct Panfungal Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay Performed on Stained Cytology Slides
Myers A., Jeffery U., Seyler Z., Lawhon S., Rodrigues Hoffmann A.
2017
Panfungal Polymerase Chain Reaction for Identification of Fungal Pathogens in Formalin-Fixed Animal Tissues
Meason-Smith C., Edwards E., Older C.E., Branco M., Bryan L.K., Lawhon S., Suchodolski J.S., Gomez G., Mansell J.M., Rodrigues Hoffmann A.
