New Bolton Center Diagnostic Laboratories

New Bolton Center's Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories offers numerous testing capabilities, including:

The mission of the Equine Pharmacology Laboratory at New Bolton Center is to promote the welfare of the working horse and the integrity of sport through pharmacological and forensic research. The Penn Vet Equine Pharmacology Laboratory works closely with the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory (PETRL), which performs equine drug testing for racetracks in the Commonwealth. Dr. Mary Robinson is its acting director.

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The Reference Andrology Laboratory provides complete testing of neat, cooled and frozen-thawed semen from mammalian and avian species. The primary purpose of these services is to aid practitioners in their differential diagnosis of individual/herd/flock reproductive problems.

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Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) is a tripartite system which joins together the University of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania State University, and is dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of families here and abroad.

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The microbiology laboratory is separated into three subgroups: Clinical Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, and PEQAP.

Located in the Myrin Building on the New Bolton Campus, the Clinical Microbiology laboratory is equipped with the latest technology and a knowledgeable support staff to provide diagnostic microbiology testing. Consultation and field investigation are also available. Testing includes aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal culture, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. 

Molecular Microbiology uses sophisticated techniques to isolate and identify viruses and bacteria including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR. These methods are commonly used to identify Avian Influenza, Salmonella spp., and Streptococcus equi (Strangles).

In addition to standard microbiological testing, the microbiology laboratory also performs egg testing as part of the Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program (PEQAP) and the FDA Egg Safety Rule. Farms that participate in these programs demonstrate their concern about food safety and produce a quality egg which helps to assure consumer confidence in eggs.

As part of PADLS, the microbiology laboratory supports PADLS' program objectives and mission. The combined resources and technical expertise of leading scientists at PADLS laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology supporting veterinarians’ efforts to advance animal and public health initiatives and support producers in assuring a safe, secure, and abundant food supply. 

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• The Mammalian Pathology Service at New Bolton Center provides complete necropsy and biopsy services to the patients of New Bolton and referrals from veterinarians throughout the state. Immunohistochemistry adds a special dimension to Widener Hospital’s diagnostic service and to the work of Penn researchers. This special staining technique uses color-labeled antibodies to identify infectious agents and special cell components in histology sections. 

• As part of PADLS, the Mammalian Pathology Service supports PADLS’ program objectives and mission. The combined resources and technical expertise of leading scientists at PADLS laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology supporting veterinarians’ efforts to advance animal and public health initiatives and support producers in assuring a safe, secure, and abundant food supply.
  Read More About The Mammalian Pathology Laboratory at New Bolton Center (PADLS)

• The Avian Pathology service strives to provide the best possible diagnostic service to Pennsylvania and regional producers, hatcheries, service personnel, feed companies, and breeder companies. Over the past decade, the service has expanded to include pet bird cases submitted by regional veterinarian, pigeons, waterfowl and birds of prey cases submitted by local wildlife organizations, backyard poultry flocks, and exhibition/show birds. Services include avian necropsies, serologic testing, virus isolation, and PCR. The board certified veterinary staff is not only qualified to provide accurate diagnostics but also advise on the treatment, control, and eradication of infectious diseases. Avian field investigation also adds to the array of services available.

  As part of PADLS, the Avian Pathology service supports PADLS’ program objectives and mission. The combined resources and technical expertise of leading scientists at PADLS laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology supporting veterinarians’ efforts to advance animal and public health initiatives and support producers in assuring a safe, secure, and abundant food supply.
  Read More About The Avian Pathology Laboratory (PADLS)

Located in the Myrin Building on the New Bolton Campus, the toxicology laboratory is equipped with the latest technology and a knowledgeable support staff to provide full veterinary diagnostic toxicology services. Animals can be exposed to toxic chemicals in a number of ways: ingestion of contaminated feed or foreign objects, inhalation, or skin contact. Through identification of such toxic chemicals, the toxicology laboratory helps to diagnose and prevent toxicosis in agricultural animals, pets, and wildlife. In addition to toxins, the laboratory has the ability to identify the levels of nutritionally relevant compounds including metals and vitamin E in animal samples.

As part of PADLS, the toxicology lab supports PADLS' program objectives and mission. The combined resources and technical expertise of leading scientists at PADLS laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology supporting veterinarians’ efforts to advance animal and public health initiatives and support producers in assuring a safe, secure, and abundant food supply.

• Read more about the New Bolton Center Toxicology Laboratory PADLS

The Aquaculture Laboratory provides necropsy and diagnostic testing of commercial and ornamental fish. With facilities at both NBC and the Manheim Field Office, the Aquaculture Laboratory is easily accessible for live fish drop-off.  The laboratory provides testing for diagnostics purposes only. Any regulatory testing should be submitted through the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory. More information can be found on the PADLS website.

As part of PADLS, the Aquaculture Laboratory supports PADLS’ program objectives and mission. The combined resources and technical expertise of leading scientists at PADLS laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology supporting veterinarians’ efforts to advance animal and public health initiatives and support producers in assuring a safe, secure, and abundant food supply.

Read More About The Aquaculture (PADLS)

Located in the northwest part of Lancaster County, the Field Office is a convenient location for veterinarians, farmers, and wildlife rehabilitators living in the western part of the county. The Field Office provides services in both avian pathology and aquaculture including necropsies of birds and fish and sample drop-off for microbiological testing, serology, and toxicology. Clinical and environmental samples received at the Field Office are taken to New Bolton Center for testing.

As part of PADLS, the Field Office supports PADLS’ program objectives and mission. The combined resources and technical expertise of leading scientists at PADLS laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology supporting veterinarians’ efforts to advance animal and public health initiatives and support producers in assuring a safe, secure, and abundant food supply.