Federal regulations govern the packaging and labeling of diagnostic specimens. If, during shipment, spillage occurs that damages mail, equipment, or personnel, the shipper may face prosecution even though the material involved was not infectious or hazardous. Careful packaging is essential to prevent any leaking fluid or breakage. The outside of the container should be appropriately labeled (ie. “Perishable, Biologic Specimen”, etc.). All liquid specimens should be submitted in leak and shatter-proof containers. Formalin containers need to have wide mouths and be double-bagged.
Ways to ship specimens
UPS discounted easy ship
*** TEMPORARY UPS CHANGES***
The current UPS statewide contract used for deeply discounted shipping of diagnostic specimens expired November 27th. As of now, pricing has reverted to UPS commercial rates until the contract is renewed. These new prices are expected to be 3 to 4 times higher than the previously deeply discounted price. In the Greater Atlanta Area, we encourage all clients to use our affordable local courier partner 4QL for the most rapid and reliable method to get specimens to the laboratory. If you are outside the GTA, you can call us to provide temporary individual Fed/Ex labels in lieu of UPS if desired.
You can ground ship samples to the Diagnostic Laboratories at discounted rates, samples usually arrive the next day.
- Request UPS shipping labels from your laboratory
- Place your samples in a box with the UPS label
- Call UPS for a free pickup
Highly discounted charges (based on UGA’s negotiated rate with UPS) are conveniently added to your monthly invoice. Request your shipping labels today by calling (706) 542-5568 (Athens) or (229) 386-3340 (Tifton).
Please remember to use ice packs and pack securely to prevent leaking. We also recommend that clinics write the tracking number that is provided on the shipping label you use to the top of your submission form and keep a copy of your submission form. Clinics can only track their packages with this tracking number. The Diagnostic Lab does not maintain a record of tracking numbers provided with shipping labels.
Athens courier service
Our courier partner, 4QL Solutions, will pick up and deliver samples to the Athens Lab, Monday through Friday. The service offers full coverage to the following counties: Barrow, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Rockdale and Walton counties. The cost is $18 per pickup, regardless of the number of samples and includes small necropsy specimens, up to 25 pounds. Call us for more information or for more sample bags. Please call 4QL Solutions to confirm that your clinic is on the courier route. Click here to request a pickup, or call 678-631-9470. Detailed instructions for online ordering can be found here. The cut-off time to schedule a same day pickup is 2pm. You will receive a confirmation number upon successful scheduling of a pick up. An updated and printable FAQ for our courier is available by clicking here.
U.S. Mail
You can ship samples to the Diagnostic Laboratories at the post office. Please remember to use ice packs and to pack securely to prevent leaking.
Our mailing addresses
Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
College of Veterinary Medicine, UGA
501 DW Brooks Dr
Athens, Georgia 30602
Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic & Investigational Laboratory
PO Box 1389
43 Brighton Rd.
Tifton, Georgia 31793
- Submit a Specimen
- Sample Collection & Submission Recommendations
- Submission Forms
- Tests & Fees
- Shipping & Courier
Contact Us
Athens Facility
(706) 542-5568
[email protected]
Athens – Directions
Tifton Facility
(229) 386-3340
[email protected]
Tifton – Directions
Department of Pathology
Laying the foundation for veterinary medicine. Learn more.
