Although almost everything listed below is included in the information contained in the "Rabies - Antibody Test Information" file, we have occasionally received requests for clarification on the following points:
1. Emails.
If you send us an email, please use the same email address so we can link to the previously discussed information. Note that we receive many emails on various topics every day. Please, include the initials RA at the beginning of the subject line.
2. Animal identification.
Some clients have indicated that microchip identification is not possible in their country. In that case, a tattoo is the alternative.
3. Waiting time after vaccination before drawing blood from the animal:
If your dog/cat has been recently vaccinated, you must wait at least 30 days before drawing blood (European Union Regulation 576/2013, Annex IV).
4. Sample to send: animal serum.
The serum must be separated from the blood sample taken from the animal before sending it, and only the serum should be sent to us. The blood sample should not contain any anticoagulant.
5. Sample vials:
Once separated, the serum can be placed in small plastic vials, dividing 1 to 2 mL of serum among several vials, in case one breaks. We recommend placing these small vials inside a plastic tube (polypropylene, which is less fragile), and sending this tube with the vials inside an insulated container (styrofoam box or thermos).
6. Sample storage before sending:
If you need to wait a few days to send the serum sample, keep it in your refrigerator. If you will be delayed longer, you can freeze the vial (small tube) containing the serum separated from the drawn blood.
7. The sample must be accompanied by the form we sent you:
The form must be completed by the veterinarian who performs the blood draw. It can be filled out on a computer or by hand in clear, capital letters to avoid errors when issuing the report.
8. Refrigerated or room temperature shipment?:
In the instructions, we recommend sending the sample refrigerated for better preservation of the serum sample. We understand that this is more expensive. Therefore, if the sample will be received at the laboratory within 2 or 3 days, it can be sent unrefrigerated.
9. The cost of the test is 121.-€ for samples from any source (taxes included where applicable).
Payment for the test can be made by bank transfer once we notify you that the test is complete, approximately a maximum of 9 business days from when we receive the sample at the laboratory. Payments by check, credit card, or Bizum are not accepted.
10. Courier services, customs, and veterinary services at ports and airports:
The courier service used for shipping must not be DHL, as this service does not handle the entry of biological samples of animal origin through Spanish Customs. If you contract the services of FedEx or TNT, please be aware that these couriers charge us an extra fee for customs duties and expenses. Therefore, if you contract one of these couriers, you must pay us an additional 150.-€ to cover this cost. The total amount you must transfer is 150.-€ + (121.-€ by the number of studies (samples from different animals) that we need to perform).
11. Health permit for importing the serum sample:
We have attached the annex that you must complete for the proper passage of the package through Spanish border control (customs). The annex must be on the outside of the package, protected (for example, by a plastic sleeve), so that the information about the goods being transported can be read.
The veterinary clinic making the shipment must complete the "Information about the samples" section with the shipment details. In "Presentation and Storage," regulations require that "refrigerated isothermal container" be indicated.
Just below, check the "serum" box, along with the box for the type of serum for each sample (canine/feline). In "Label Identification," write the pet´s name, and in "Microchip Number," enter that number. Both the name and the microchip number must be written on the sample tube or the bag containing it for it to be considered correctly labeled.
On the second page, the veterinarian must complete the "Usage Agreement" section with their information, the date, and their signature.
The package delivery address must be our center, so that the courier can pick it up and send it directly to us. Regulations require that the package not pass through any intermediary once it enters European territory. If you have any questions, please contact us at ivami@ivami.com.
12. Private sample transport (by a third party):
Some clients ask if it is possible to have the sample transported by someone traveling from their country. This type of transport is not authorized nowadays.
13. Sending results:
We send the results by email with a digital signature to the email address you provided. If you need them urgently, you must arrange for a courier service at your own expense to pick them up.