The VDx submission form is a fillable PDF requisition that veterinary clinics send to VDx Pathology with each specimen so the lab can match the sample to the right patient and run the requested diagnostics. You can download it at vdxpathology.com. Fill in the clinic, clinician, and patient fields, package the form with the specimen, and ship both to the lab together.
What Each Field Asks For
Every field ties the physical specimen to a case file at the lab. Blanks slow processing because staff may call your office for clarification before they begin.
- STAT checkbox — mark it for urgent cases that need expedited processing; leave it unchecked for routine submissions.
- Date Collected — the date the specimen was taken from the patient, not the date you mail or drop it off.
- Account No. — your clinic’s VDx Pathology account number. If your practice does not have one, contact VDx Pathology to open an account before submitting samples.
- Clinic Name — the full name of the submitting practice.
- Doctor Name — the veterinarian requesting the diagnostic work.
- Pet Name — the patient’s name as it appears in your medical records.
- Owner Name — the pet owner’s name, used to confirm patient identity if questions arise.
- Species — check K9 for canine, FEL for feline, EQ for equine, or Other. If Other, write in the species.
- Breed — the animal’s breed. For mixed-breed patients, write “mixed” or note the dominant breeds if known.
Depending on the version your clinic uses, the form may also include fields for specimen type, clinical history, and the specific tests you are requesting. Fill in every applicable section.
Match the Form to the Specimen Label
Place the completed form inside the shipping container with the specimen, or attach it securely to the outside of the sample container in a sealed plastic sleeve so moisture does not damage it. The information on the form must match the label on the jar or slide exactly. A mismatch is one of the most common reasons a lab flags a submission for follow-up before processing.
Tissue samples for histopathology typically go in formalin-filled containers. Cytology slides and fluid samples have their own handling and packaging requirements that vary by test type, so check VDx Pathology’s specimen handling guidelines for the service you are requesting. Improper fixation or storage can compromise results no matter how well the form is completed.
Shipping the Submission
Ship the form and specimen together to VDx Pathology using the shipping address or courier instructions the lab has given your practice. Many veterinary diagnostic labs offer prepaid shipping supplies or courier pickup for established accounts; check with VDx Pathology to see whether that option is available to you. A trackable shipping method protects you if a package goes missing in transit.
If you checked the STAT box, call or email the lab on the day of shipment to confirm the rush. That way the specimen enters the priority queue as soon as it arrives.
After the Lab Receives the Sample
Routine histopathology results typically take several business days, and STAT cases are processed faster. The lab returns results to the clinician listed on the form through an online portal, fax, or email, depending on your account preferences. If the lab has questions about the specimen or the information on the form, they contact the veterinarian or clinic named on the submission.