Sampling Guidelines for Food and Feed Safety
| Sample type | Sample quantity | Remarks |
| Sparkling wine, carbonated wine | 0.5 L | A separate sample bottle is required for carbon dioxide (CO₂) analysis. A separate sample bottle is also required for sulfite (SO₂) analysis. For example, if both CO2 and SO2 are to be analysed from the same sample, two sample bottles must be submitted. |
| Wine | 0.5 L | If the packaging contains less than 0.5 L, submit a sufficient number of items so that the total sample volume is ≥ 0.5 L (for example: 2 x 0.33 L). A separate sample bottle is required for sulfite (SO₂) analysis. |
| Beer | 0.5 L | If the packaging contains less than 0.5 L, submit a sufficient number of items so that the total sample volume is ≥ 0.5 L (for example: 2 x 0.33 L). |
| Other alcoholic beverages | 0.5 L | A separate sample bottle is required for carbon dioxide (CO₂) analysis. A separate sample bottle is also required for sulfite (SO₂) analysis. For example, if both CO2 and SO2 are to be analysed from the same sample, two sample bottles must be submitted. |
| Juices and non-alcoholic beverages | 0.5 L | A separate sample bottle is required for carbon dioxide (CO₂) analysis. A separate sample bottle is also required for sulfite (SO₂) analysis. For example, if both CO2 and SO2 are to be analysed from the same sample, two sample bottles must be submitted. |
Sampling Guidelines for Animal Health
Detection of Gallid herpesvirus-2 DNA (Marek’s Disease virus)
|
Name of the anlaysis |
Method |
Number of the method |
Department |
|
Detection of the Gallid herpesvirus-2 DNA (causative agent of Marek’s Disease) |
Real-time PCR |
5MA-TJ-88* |
Department of Molecular Analysis |
*method not accredited
Characterisation of Gallid herpesvirus-2
If necessary, additional sequence analysis is performed for more precise genetic characterization of the isolated/identified virus (including distinguishing the vaccine or virulent strain).
|
Name of the anlaysis |
Method |
Number of the method |
Department |
|
Characterisation of the Gallid herpesvirus-2 DNA (causative agent of Marek’s Disease) |
Sanger sequencing |
5MA-TJ-88* |
Department of Molecular Analysis |
*method not accredited
LABORATORY PERFORMING THE ANALYSIS
The National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment (LABRIS)
Department of Molecular Analysis
Fr. R Kreutzwaldi 30, Tartu
Estonia, 51006
SAMPLING, STORAGE AND SHIPMENT
Post-mortem samples
A recently dead or killed bird as a whole; feathers (at least 5 freshly plucked contour or flight feathers) or, if tumors are present, tumor tissue. In the absence of the previous ones, a suitable alternative is the spleen.
Samples from live birds
Feathers (at least 5 pcs of freshly plucked contour or flight feathers). The feather tip must be present.
Sample packing
- Each bird sample must be packed separately in a clean container (e.g a plastic bag, if possible use a plastic bag closed with a groove seal (minigrip)), closed and marked.
- Only individuals samples are tested
Sample submission form
Samples must be clearly labeled and sent together with correctly filled sample submission form which can be found on the LABRIS website (diagnostic).
Shipment
- Feather samples are delivered to the laboratory within 4-6 hours. If immediate transport is not possible, feather samples are stored at +4...+6 °C and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours.
- Organ and tumor samples and carcasses are delivered to the laboratory within 4-6 hours. If immediate transport is not possible, the organ samples are stored at +4...+6 °C or frozen at -20 °C and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours.
ESTIMATED TIME OF THE ANALYSIS
Real-time PCR: up to 5 working days after recieving the samples
Sanger sequencing: up to 2 weeks after recieving the samples
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Department of Molecular Analysis, phone +372 73 86 121
Currently, all the other sampling guides are only available in Estonian and can be accessed HERE.
In order for your results to be delivered without any issues, please note that LABRIS cannot process a sample if:
- the amount of sample provided is insufficient for the requested analysis;
- the accompanying sample submission form is missing;
- the sample submission form is incompletely filled in (the parameters to be determined or the requested analyses/studies are not specified) or is illegible;
- the client’s previous invoice is overdue;
- the sample packaging/material is damaged;
- the sample shows obvious signs of spoilage.
If any of the above issues are identified, the laboratory will contact the client and inform them of the detected deficiencies.
Last updated: 05.01.2026
