About Us | Our Policies
University of Maine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Policies:
The University of Maine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory supports the food (furred, feathered, and finned) and fiber animal industries as well as companion animal owners in Maine and the Northeast. We welcome inquiries about necropsy, histopathology, cytology, bacteriology, virology, and parasitology or other diagnostic and research work.
We accept submissions for mastitis and parasitology testing directly from producers/animal owners and from veterinarians.
All necropsy submissions must be submitted by a veterinarian with the exception of backyard poultry. Domestic backyard poultry or waterfowl are accepted for postmortem examination (necropsy and/or histopathology), however, consultation with your veterinarian is highly encouraged to ensure accurate interpretation of reports and appropriate flock health recommendations.
All additional testing must be requested within two weeks after receiving the final report or the case will be closed and the samples will be discarded.
All samples submitted to the University of Maine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory become the property of the University of Maine and may be used for research or teaching purposes.
I agree to pay a GROUP disposal fee of $1.26/lbs. that will be applied to all necropsy submissions. All samples submitted will be disposed of using environmentally conscious and biosecure practices. Private/individual cremation services with ashes returned are available upon request for an additional fee.
The final report will be sent to the individual(s) indicated on the submission form. Billing is processed once monthly and, by default, will be sent to the veterinarian for the case unless the responsible party indicates otherwise on the submission form.
Confidentiality Policy:
We are required by law to report dangerous conditions and public health threats. We keep your identity, and the details of your case, confidential unless a reportable condition arises. Appropriate parties such as the animal owner, veterinarian, and, if needed, Maine animal and public health agencies will be contacted in these cases.
Interpreting Results:
We strongly encourage all our clients to establish and maintain a veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) with a clinical veterinarian in their area to assist with interpretation of diagnostic reports and application of appropriate animal health recommendations.
Results from diagnostic testing will be reported to the animal owner and veterinarian indicated on the submission form. Postmortem examination and diagnostics do not qualify as a VCPR. Treatment recommendations cannot be made by UMaine VDL diagnosticians or staff.
Billing Policy:
We can accept payment in-person (check, cash +/- credit/debit) or online (credit/debit) at the time of service. Billing is available for postmortem diagnostic cases and will be generated at the time the final report is sent (once all diagnostic work is completed). Our billing system is run through the University Bursar’s Office. Accounts that are over 90 days unpaid are sent to a collection agency.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).