Regional Animal Health Laboratory
It is dedicated to carrying out analyzes and reports that are requested, at the request of individuals or other bodies of the Administration, in relation to agricultural and food products and the means of agricultural production, as well as the health and hygiene of animals.
In addition, it has a Genomics Unit, which enables the development of total and partial sequencing activities of the microorganism genome, which is important in obtaining the necessary information for proper epidemiological monitoring of animal diseases and zoonotic outbreaks. Said Unit has been 100% financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) from the "EURI" funds, which materialize in the Rural Development Program of the Community of Madrid in its period 2014-2020 (PDR ), for the development and modernization of the LRSA. Said Unit only provides internal service to the Community of Madrid.
Analytical offer and procedure
The Laboratory performs clinical trials and agri-food products, defined in the analytical offer. The request for analysis, the delivery and reception of the sample is carried out in the laboratory itself.
The samples can be delivered directly by the client, or sent by carrier, courier or any other means, provided that they comply with the conditions established in the guide for sending samples to the Regional Animal Health Laboratory.
All samples must be submitted accompanied by a request for analysis. The laboratory has standardized models according to the type of sample: general, for the disease surveillance, control and eradication program (surveillance) and for the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) surveillance program.
The results bulletin is delivered to the client in the previously agreed manner (according to the analysis request): in the laboratory itself, by regular mail, by fax, by email. The public prices that are applicable in the Regional Animal Health Laboratory appear in the Resolution of December 14, 2007, of the Director-Manager of the Madrid Institute of Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development, section 2.2 of annex 2 (BOCM no. 309, of December 28, 2007).
The invoice for the service provided will be issued once the requested analyzes have been completed. Payment will be made by deposit in Caixabank: ES12 2100 2556 1813 0028 1324
Bacteriology Unit
Performs analyzes on clinical samples of animal origin: organs or portions thereof, tissues, excretions, secretions, body fluids, tissue fluids, etc., as well as on animal foods and their raw materials.
The activities carried out in the Bacteriology Unit consist of research (isolation and identification) and/or counting of microorganisms, according to the following methodologies:
a) Culture in general and selective media, according to the nature of the sample and the target bacteria.
b) Plate count.
c) Stains.
d) Sensitivity tests against antimicrobial agents (antibiograms).
Parasitology Unit
It performs analyzes on different types of samples to reveal the presence of parasitic forms or diseases caused by them, using direct (coprological), microscopic, and immunological methods: ELISA and IFI (indirect immunofluorescence).
It also counts molds and yeasts in feed.
Serology Unit
In the Serology Unit, analyzes are carried out on serum and blood samples, mainly coming from national programs and plans for the surveillance and control of animal diseases.
Physical-chemistry unit
The activities carried out in the Physics-Chemistry Unit consist of:
a) Analysis of feed and animal feed raw materials to determine their composition (fiber, protein, humidity, fats and ashes).
b) Analysis of animal viscera and possible baits used to determine the presence of some toxins.
c) Physical-chemical analysis of water for animal consumption.
d) Activities such as calibrations/verifications of laboratory equipment in collaboration with the Quality Department
Virology Unit
Performs analyzes for the diagnosis of diseases caused by viruses. It uses methods based on the immune response (antigen-antibody reaction):
a) Detection of antibodies and/or antibodies in serum.
b) Detection of antigens in plasma, blood or tissue extracts.
The techniques used are: ELISA (in its different versions) and AGID.
In addition, this Unit is assigned to detect the pathogenic prion protein that causes transmissible spongiform encephalopathies using the ELISA technique in the brainstem of cattle, sheep and goats (rapid post-mortem diagnosis).
Genomic Molecular Biology Unit
a) Detection of the viral and bacterial genome by molecular techniques: real-time and conventional PCR and RT-PCR, and nucleic acid sequencing.
b) Massive sequencing of nucleic acids with NGS technology, from the preparation of libraries to the primary bioinformatics analysis of the data obtained.
c) Analysis of molecular markers. Develop studies of genetic variability of organisms, phylogenetic and evolutionary studies, through the analysis of markers through molecular techniques based on DNA sequencing.
d) Quantitative PCR. Nucleic acid quantification studies, gene expression studies and genotyping.
e) Bioanalysis of nucleic acids the quality and integrity of DNA and RNA.
Quality guarantee
The Regional Animal Health Laboratory has been accredited since 17/06/2011 as a testing laboratory by the National Accreditation Entity (ENAC), in recognition of the technical competence to carry out tests on agri-food products, with the number of file 908/LE1801.
The accreditation is based on the UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard
“General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”.
The Laboratory accreditation scope document is published at www.enac.es:
Stores
Hours: 9:00 a.m.-14:30 p.m.
Telephone: 91 846 15 00
Fax: 91 846 40 45
Guadalix de la Sierra Road, M-625, Km. 1,800
Colmenar Viejo