NVSL Diagnostic, Bioanalytical, and Reagent Laboratory
The Diagnostic Bioanalytical and Reagent Laboratory (DBRL) supports national and international livestock disease control programs though diagnostic testing, proficiency testing, and reagent supply within its five constituent sections (listed below).
For a complete list of available tests and products, view our catalogs at Diagnostic Testing and Reagents and Proficiency Tests.
Organization
The DBRL consists of four sections: Parasitology Chemistry and Analytical Services; Proficiency Testing and Reagents; Brucella, Mycobacterium, and Hemoparasite Reagents; and Serology.
The Parasitology Chemistry and Analytical Services (PCAS) Section supports APHIS Veterinary Services’ efforts to prevent or eradicate pests (for example, the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and the Screwworm Eradication Program) by providing identification services for foreign and native ticks (the National Tick Surveillance Program), mange mites, other ectoparasites, fly larvae that cause myiasis, and hemoparasites. The PCAS Section supports the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program by performing chemical analyses on pesticide solutions used in dip tanks and sprayers and by measuring ivermectin levels in wildlife baits to confirm safe, effective pesticide and drug concentrations. The Section further performs blood screening tests to detect fraudulent submissions and ensure the integrity of livestock import and export disease surveillance programs. The Section also contributes to the mission of the Center for Veterinary Biologics by analyzing chemical components of vaccine candidates.
The Proficiency Testing and Reagents (PTR) Section administers a proficiency testing program and produces reagents and reference sera for avian influenza surveillance. The Section also provides various laboratory animal and livestock-specific fluorescent antibody conjugates and primary cell lines.
The Brucella, Mycobacterium, and Hemoparasite Reagents (BMRT/HRU) Section produces control sera, antigens (including PPD), proficiency tests, and cultures for various livestock-related species of Brucella and Mycobacterium, as well as control sera and antigens for bovine and equine piroplasmosis, dourine, and glanders.
The Serology Section specializes in serological assays for anaplasmosis, brucellosis, contagious equine metritis, bovine and equine piroplasmosis, dourine, glanders, and various mycobacterial agent exposures (for example, Johne’s disease, bovine/cervid tuberculosis).