KHV Testing

Here is how KoiLab KHV Testing Works

Thank you for your interest in submitting samples for the Koi Herpes Virus. We will use a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test to detect fragments of the DNA signature of the KHV virus.

If the fish are not sick, at all, then it is likely that they will not be shedding the virus and the PCR test will be negative.

The best way to obtain this testing is via live or frozen fish sent to KoiLab on ice. Swabs or other samples are a “second” choice. Fresh tissues yield the greatest likelihood of finding the viral DNA in the sample.

For swabs:

The culturette – (Obtain here) You can get one from your veterinarian, or you can get one from your family doctor, the local pharmacy, or the local hospital. A laboratory supply house would also have them. You may find them at a local college biology lab. Capture the fish to be tested and open the gill cover to expose the red gill arches inside. Open the bacterial culturette. Insert the culturette under the gill cover and smear it across the gill arches until the swab is pink to red with cellular debris, blood or tissue. Reinsert the swab into the culturette tube BUT DO NOT BREAK THE AGAR GEL CYLINDER INSIDE!!!!!

REPEAT: DO NOT BREAK THE AGAR GEL CYLINDER INSIDE!!!!!

Obtain Culturette from vet, lab, or Pondrx.com. Pack and ship the culturette on ice to KoiLab-Athens. Pack a cooler with ice and put the culturette on the ice in a sealed Ziploc baggie, with the form I’ve sent you.

The form should be sealed in a watertight Ziploc baggie as well.

If you decide to send a whole fish for KHV testing, a necropsy fee of $28 will apply to harvest the tissues (Kidney, Gill and Liver) which we will homogenize for PCR testing. The homogenized tissues PCR is much more accurate than any swab PCR.

Shipping Details:

Do not ship samples to arrive on the weekend. Samples should arrive Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday ONLY. You will waste your time and shipping costs if you arrange the samples arrival on a day when the lab is not receiving.

You will be contacted by fax, phone or email within 72 hours under most circumstances with lab results by KoiLab.com