Reasons for failing to confirm a diagnosis in samples of sheep origin, submitted for laboratory examinations

Abstract

In Great Britain changes in the proportion of samples submitted to diagnostic laboratories, for which no diagnosis is confirmed, are monitored as a possible indicator of new or emerging diseases. Herewith, perceived reasons for failing to reach a diagnosis were provided for the year 2008. No diagnosis could be confirmed in 39% of these; however, if those subjected to limited testing were excluded, then that proportion was 20%. Most frequently recorded reasons that no diagnosis was confirmed were “incomplete sample range submitted” (8% of total samples submitted), “full diagnostic package not requested” (6%), “ post-mortem material required but unavailable” (4%) and “inconclusive test results” (2%). No reason could be identified in 8% of samples submitted. Selection of these samples for further analysis may enhance surveillance for emerging/re-emerging diseases.