Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Clients and stakeholders of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?TVMDL participated in multiple Proficiency Test panels, exercises and drills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?TVMDL regularly communicates (newsletter, Facebook) with clients and stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue with activities as described
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Quality System TVMDL retired 10 outdated tests and added 30 new tests or panels to its offerings to provide clients with the latest, most useful options for routine diagnostics and to rule out endemic diseases that might mask foreign animal or emerging diseases. The Quality Management System was continuously reviewed and updated to accurately reflect current practices and meet all applicable certification or accreditation requirements for AAVLD, USDA and ISO17025 programs. Training additional staff for foreign and emerging animal diseases All new staff in sections conducting NAHLN assays were trained and successfully proficiency tested. TVMDL maintained all NAHLN testing capabilities from FY2018 and added certification for African Swine Fever at the TVMDL-Amarillo location. TVMDL is now approved and proficiency tested to conduct all of the following NAHLN assays: ASF CSF CWD ELISA FMD IAV-A IAV-S ND Scrapie/CWD IHC Laboratory information management system (LIMS, including NAHLN messaging) TVMDL completed implementation of the new LIMS with full switch over effective March 1, 2019. The new LIMS includes many advantages and improvements over the previous system in use: Improved instrument interfacing for direct transmission of test requests and result data Improved HL7 messaging process Streamlined data architecture and an API to facilitate interoperability with other systems e.g. data mining and analysis tools, and messaging. TVMDL successfully demonstrated electronic messaging competency for IAV-A, APMV, ASFV and FMD/CSF results. NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities) TVMDL completed the design phase of the project to replace the TVMDL-Amarillo facility with a new, state-of-the-art facility and began construction in January, 2019. The new facility is located on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas and will include approximately 800 square feet of BSL-3 space in addition to approximately 20,000 square feet of BSL-2 and office space. TVMDL is set to move into the new laboratory in September of 2020. TVMDL expanded its use of barcoding (2D and QR codes) to facilitate sample tracking through the system. This has had critical impact in the histopathology section, greatly improving readability of slide and cassette labels, as well as improving overall workflows. Digital scanning of histology slides was implemented, supporting increased collaboration, both among and between TVMDL sites as well as with external parties as needed. Enhancing inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: TVMDL participated in a NAHLN effort to validate additional CWD test kits and equipment. The lab also continues to offer backup or surge capacity for NAHLN testing for other laboratories as needed. Other integrated activities (research, education, and/or outreach/service) in support of the goals of the NAHLN and agricultural security TVMDL also: Provides training for other NAHLN laboratories as requested Maintains involvement with the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group Actively participates in the NAHLN IT Committee Participated in NAHLN-sponsored exercises and webinars Participated in the pilot AMR data gathering project for NAHLN, completing the first year of the project and continuing on for the second year
Publications
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Progress 09/01/16 to 08/19/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Clients and stakeholders of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?TVMDL participated in multiple Proficiency Test panels, exercises and drills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?TVMDL regularly communicates (newsletter, Facebook) with clients and stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue with activities as described
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Quality System TVMDL retired 10 outdated tests and added 30 new tests or panels to its offerings to provide clients with the latest, most useful options for routine diagnostics and to rule out endemic diseases that might mask foreign animal or emerging diseases. The Quality Management System was continuously reviewed and updated to accurately reflect current practices and meet all applicable certification or accreditation requirements for AAVLD, USDA and ISO17025 programs. Training additional staff for foreign and emerging animal diseases All new staff in sections conducting NAHLN assays were trained and successfully proficiency tested. TVMDL maintained all NAHLN testing capabilities from FY2018 and added certification for African Swine Fever at the TVMDL-Amarillo location. TVMDL is now approved and proficiency tested to conduct all of the following NAHLN assays: ASF CSF CWD ELISA FMD IAV-A IAV-S ND Scrapie/CWD IHC Laboratory information management system (LIMS, including NAHLN messaging) TVMDL completed implementation of the new LIMS with full switch over effective March 1, 2019. The new LIMS includes many advantages and improvements over the previous system in use: Improved instrument interfacing for direct transmission of test requests and result data Improved HL7 messaging process Streamlined data architecture and an API to facilitate interoperability with other systems e.g. data mining and analysis tools, and messaging. TVMDL successfully demonstrated electronic messaging competency for IAV-A, APMV, ASFV and FMD/CSF results. NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities) TVMDL completed the design phase of the project to replace the TVMDL-Amarillo facility with a new, state-of-the-art facility and began construction in January, 2019. The new facility is located on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas and will include approximately 800 square feet of BSL-3 space in addition to approximately 20,000 square feet of BSL-2 and office space. TVMDL is set to move into the new laboratory in September of 2020. TVMDL expanded its use of barcoding (2D and QR codes) to facilitate sample tracking through the system. This has had critical impact in the histopathology section, greatly improving readability of slide and cassette labels, as well as improving overall workflows. Digital scanning of histology slides was implemented, supporting increased collaboration, both among and between TVMDL sites as well as with external parties as needed. Enhancing inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: TVMDL participated in a NAHLN effort to validate additional CWD test kits and equipment. The lab also continues to offer backup or surge capacity for NAHLN testing for other laboratories as needed. Other integrated activities (research, education, and/or outreach/service) in support of the goals of the NAHLN and agricultural security TVMDL also: Provides training for other NAHLN laboratories as requested Maintains involvement with the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group Actively participates in the NAHLN IT Committee Participated in NAHLN-sponsored exercises and webinars Participated in the pilot AMR data gathering project for NAHLN, completing the first year of the project and continuing on for the second year
Publications
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Clients and stakeholders of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?TVMDL participated in multiple Proficiency Test panels, exercises and drills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?TVMDL regularly communicates (newsletter, Facebook) with clients and stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue with activities as described
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Quality System TVMDL retired 10 outdated tests and added 30 new tests or panels to its offerings to provide clients with the latest, most useful options for routine diagnostics and to rule out endemic diseases that might mask foreign animal or emerging diseases. The Quality Management System was continuously reviewed and updated to accurately reflect current practices and meet all applicable certification or accreditation requirements for AAVLD, USDA and ISO17025 programs. Training additional staff for foreign and emerging animal diseases All new staff in sections conducting NAHLN assays were trained and successfully proficiency tested. TVMDL maintained all NAHLN testing capabilities from FY2018 and added certification for African Swine Fever at the TVMDL-Amarillo location. TVMDL is now approved and proficiency tested to conduct all of the following NAHLN assays: ASF CSF CWD ELISA FMD IAV-A IAV-S ND Scrapie/CWD IHC Laboratory information management system (LIMS, including NAHLN messaging) TVMDL completed implementation of the new LIMS with full switch over effective March 1, 2019. The new LIMS includes many advantages and improvements over the previous system in use: Improved instrument interfacing for direct transmission of test requests and result data Improved HL7 messaging process Streamlined data architecture and an API to facilitate interoperability with other systems e.g. data mining and analysis tools, messaging... TVMDL successfully demonstrated electronic messaging competency for IAV-A and FMD/CSF results. NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities) TVMDL completed the design phase of the project to replace the TVMDL-Amarillo facility with a new, state-of-the-art facility and began construction in January, 2019. The new facility is located on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas and will include approximately 800 square feet of BSL-3 space in addition to approximately 20,000 square feet of BSL-2 and office space. TVMDL expanded its use of barcoding (2D and QR codes) to facilitate sample tracking through the system. This has had critical impact in the histopathology section, greatly improving readability of slide and cassette labels, as well as improving overall workflows. Digital scanning of histology slides was implemented, supporting increased collaboration, both among and between TVMDL sites as well as with external parties as needed. Enhancing inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: TVMDL participated in a NAHLN effort to validate additional CWD test kits and equipment. The lab also continues to offer backup or surge capacity for NAHLN testing for other laboratories as needed. Other integrated activities (research, education, and/or outreach/service) in support of the goals of the NAHLN and agricultural security TVMDL also: Provides training for other NAHLN laboratories as requested Maintains involvement with the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group Actively participates in the NAHLN IT Committee Participated in NAHLN-sponsored exercises and webinars Participated in the pilot AMR data gathering project for NAHLN, completing the first year of the project and continuing on for the second year
Publications
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Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Clients and stakeholders of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?TVMDL participated in multiple Proficiency Test panels, exercises and drills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?TVMDL regularly communicates (newsletter, Facebook) with clients and stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue with activities as described
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Quality System TVMDL retired 10 outdated tests and added 30 new tests or panels to its offerings to provide clients with the latest, most useful options for routine diagnostics and to rule out endemic diseases that might mask foreign animal or emerging diseases. The Quality Management System was continuously reviewed and updated to accurately reflect current practices and meet all applicable certification or accreditation requirements for AAVLD, USDA and ISO17025 programs. Training additional staff for foreign and emerging animal diseases All new staff in sections conducting NAHLN assays were trained and successfully proficiency tested. TVMDL maintained all NAHLN testing capabilities from FY2017 except for VSV which was dropped: Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging) TVMDL issued an RFP for the acquisition of a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), selected a vendor and has begun the implementation process. The tentative Go-Live date is October, 2018. The new LIMS includes many advantages and improvements over the existing system in use: Improved instrument interfacing for direct transmission of test requests and result data Improved HL7 messaging process Streamlined data architecture and an API to facilitate interoperability with other systems e.g. data mining and analysis tools, messaging... TVMDL successfully demonstrated electronic messaging competency for IAV-A and FMD/CSF results. NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities) TVMDL initiated the design phase of the project to replace the TVMDL-Amarillo facility with a new, state-of-the-art facility. The new facility will be located on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas and will include approximately 800 square feet of BSL-3 space in addition to approximately 20,000 square feet of BSL-2 and office space. TVMDL expanded its use of barcoding (2D and QR codes) to facilitate sample tracking through the system. This has had critical impact in the histopathology section, greatly improving readability of slide and cassette labels, as well as improving overall workflows. Through June of FY2018 TVMDL conducted the following NAHLN-related testing: The lab also successfully passed Proficiency Tests for: Avian Influenza (AI) for the Matrix, H7 & H5 primer/probe sets Avian Paramyxovirus (APMV-1) Classic Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease (CSF and FMD) Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) TVMDL provided testing support for the detection of and response to an LPAI H7N1 outbreak in Hopkins County, TX in March, 2018. This included electronic messaging of all relevant test results to USDA. Surveillance for H7N1 on commercial poultry in surrounding area of index case (samples submitted by the poultry company affected) Surveillance for H7N1 on backyard birds located in surrounding area of index case (samples submitted by the TAHC). Enhancing inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: TVMDL participated in a NAHLN effort to validate additional CWD test kits and equipment. The lab also continues to offer backup or surge capacity for NAHLN testing for other laboratories as needed. Other integrated activities (research, education, and/or outreach/service) in support of the goals of the NAHLN and agricultural security TVMDL collaborated with IIAD on the development and implementation of a Multi-laboratory Interactive Collaboration Environment (MICE) pilot that demonstrated enhance both intra- and inter-laboratory collaboration via the establishment of a suite of hardware and software to enable real-time information streams. TVMDL also: Provides training for other NAHLN laboratories as requested Maintains involvement with the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group Actively participates in the NAHLN IT Committee Participated in NAHLN-sponsored exercises (Barcoding/Messaging) and webinars (Engagement with the Incident Management Team) Participated in the pilot AMR data gathering project for NAHLN
Publications
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Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Clients and stakeholders of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1. All new staff in Molecular Diagnostics are trained and pass Proficiency Test panels to obtain NAHLN certification for FAD surveillance. 2. Approximately 20 TVMDL staff annually attend the AAVLD conference 3. TVMDL attended multiple NAHLN-sponsored webinars How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?1. TVMDL participates as an exhibitor, providing education, outreach and service information, at 4 major national veterinary meetings and a host of intrastate meetings. 2. TVMDL works closely with Texas AgriLife Extension to provide outreach and education to veterinary practitioners and producers on diseases and diagnostic testing. 3. TVMDL provides diagnostic services education to all DVM students at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences as well as an intensive 2-week rotation to Food Animal Track senior students. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Most of the initiatives and activities reported above will continue into the next reporting period.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Quality System; review assays, ensure state of the art capabilities a. Successfully completed the AAVLD Accreditation site visit and was reaccredited for 5 years, all labs, for all species b. Successfully passed interim evaluation by A2LA to retain ISO 17025 accreditation for the Drug Testing Laboratory c. As part of the new laboratory construction project, replaced many aging pieces of equipment, including all Biosafety Cabinets, multiple refrigerators and freezers and others. d. Completed construction of new, 93,000 sq. ft. College Station facility. This facility has enhanced BSL2 and BSL3 space, a training laboratory and is built on an open floor plan to ensure future flexibility. e. Obtained funding approval from the State legislature to replace the Amarillo TVMDL facility. Planning and design work should commence by January, 2018. 2. Train additional staff for foreign and emerging animal diseases a. No FAD courses have been available at Plum Island this reporting period. b. All new staff in Molecular Diagnostics have been trained and passed Proficiency Test panels to be certified for FAD testing. 3. Continue work on Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging) for HL7 capabilities a. Maintained capabilities for NAHLN (HL7) messaging for multiple diseases. b. Staff participated in NAHLN IT meetings and conference calls 4. Continue work/improvements on NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities) a. Participated in NAHLN Barcoding sample submission exercise. b. Completion of new College Station TVMDL facility includes expansion of BSL3 space (4 testing laboratory spaces and entire necropsy space). Enhancements include addition of chemical disinfection capabilities for all BSL3 effluent. c. Significant changes made in sample accessioning workflow with incorporation of barcoding, elimination of movement of "dirty" paper out of laboratory containment. d. TVMDL participated in a 1-year pilot program utilizing live animal testing in support of CWD control program 5. Enhance inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: a. TVMDL Director continues as Co-Chair of NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. b. TVMDL Associate Director serves on AAVLD Accreditation Committee and participates in at least two accreditation site reviews annually. 6. Promote other integrated activities (research, education, and/or outreach/service) in support of the goals of the NAHLN and agricultural security a. TVMDL works closely with Texas AgriLife Extension to provide outreach and education to veterinary practitioners and producers on diseases and diagnostic testing. b. TVMDL works with NVSL and FADDL to coordinate surveillance testing and to investigate new or emerging disease situations. c. TVMDL participates as an exhibitor, providing education, outreach and service information, at 4 major national veterinary meetings and a host of intrastate meetings.
Publications
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