Efficient and timely delivery of diagnostic samples is crucial for effective veterinary care. A reliable Courier Service specializing in veterinary specimens can significantly improve your practice’s workflow and patient outcomes. This article explores the benefits of using a dedicated veterinary courier service, focusing on the services offered by the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM).
Benefits of Using a Veterinary Courier Service
Partnering with a veterinary courier service offers several advantages:
Convenience and Efficiency
Courier services handle the logistics of transporting samples, freeing up your staff to focus on patient care. UTCVM’s courier service offers daily pick-up and delivery, ensuring your samples reach the lab quickly.
Specialized Handling
Veterinary couriers understand the specific requirements for handling sensitive materials, including proper packaging, temperature control, and biohazard safety protocols. This expertise minimizes the risk of sample damage or contamination. UTCVM accepts a variety of submissions, including lab samples, MRI scans, ultrasounds, radiographs, and necropsies (up to 25 lbs). They even deliver pharmacy medication orders.
Timely Delivery and Faster Results
With scheduled pick-ups and direct delivery to the laboratory, using a courier service ensures faster turnaround times for test results, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment for your patients. UTCVM guarantees delivery by 3:00 PM on the day of pick-up for samples collected within their 45-mile service radius. Turnaround times for test results vary; consult the UTCVM Laboratory Manual for specifics.
UTCVM Courier Service: How it Works
UTCVM provides a comprehensive courier service for veterinary practices in Knoxville, TN, and surrounding areas.
Scheduling and Pick-up
Requests are submitted through the VOLVet online portal by the end of the business day to guarantee next-day pick-up. Specimens must be prepared and ready for collection when the courier arrives. Note that a service charge applies even if samples are unavailable at the scheduled pick-up time. Collections occur daily, Monday through Friday, starting at 8:00 AM.
Packaging Guidelines
Specific packaging guidelines must be followed to ensure sample integrity. Necropsies require triple packaging: an inner bag, a secondary container with ice, and an outer container. Biopsies must be in a sealed container with formalin, placed within a resealable bag. Always place the submission form in a separate bag or outer pouch. Refer to the UTCVM Laboratory Manual for detailed packaging and shipping instructions.
Service Area and Fees
UTCVM’s courier service covers a 45-mile radius around Knoxville, TN. Fees vary based on clinic location and are displayed in the VOLVet portal when submitting a request. For more information about the service or fees, contact UTCVM at 865-974-5771. Charges are included on your monthly UTCVM statement.
UTCVM Diagnostic Laboratory Service Hours and Holiday Closures
The UTCVM Diagnostic Laboratory operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Saturday mornings offer limited staff for Clinical Pathology and Bacteriology/Mycology.
The lab and courier service observe several holidays. For a complete list of 2025 closures, refer to the UTCVM website. For urgent needs on these days, contact 865-974-8387 to request a call back from the laboratory director. To expedite results on the next business day following a holiday, call 865-974-5771 to request a morning pick-up.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the UTCVM courier service, contact:
Stephanie Boyd, Director of Referral Services
Phone: (865) 974-5771
Email: [email protected]
By leveraging the efficiency and expertise of a dedicated veterinary courier service like UTCVM’s, you can optimize your practice’s workflow, ensure timely diagnosis, and ultimately provide better care for your animal patients.
