What is the appropriate action for sending a blood sample for equine infectious anemia (EIA) testing?

The appropriate action for sending a blood sample for equine infectious anemia (EIA) testing is to send it to a USDA-approved laboratory. This is crucial because EIA is a serious disease regulated by the USDA, and testing must be conducted in laboratories that meet specific federal standards for accuracy and reliability. USDA-approved laboratories ensure that the testing methods used are validated and that the results conform to national standards, which is vital for disease management and control in equine populations.

Sending the sample to a local veterinary clinic or a private laboratory might not comply with the regulatory standards required for EIA testing, as these facilities may not have the appropriate accreditation or capabilities to handle such specialized diagnostics. Additionally, sending the sample directly to the client would not only breach proper chain-of-custody protocols but could also jeopardize the integrity of the testing process and subsequent results. Thus, the requirement to use a USDA-approved laboratory is fundamental for maintaining the quality and reliability of testing for equine infectious anemia.