Microbiology Lab

To keep pace with the evolution of dairy science, Lancaster DHIA expanded to include a Microbiology Lab in 2005. Our PA Dept. of Agriculture certified lab brings a wealth of experience, personable service and a strong commitment to our farming community.

Testing & Calibration Services

Raw Milk Testing (Bovine, Goat and Sheep)

• Bacteria PLC, SPC
• Coliform
• Antibiotics (GI) Delvo, SL3, SLBL
• Components
• Direct Microscope Bacteria, SCC

Bulk Tank Sample Testing for Co-ops and Producers

• Pre-Incubation Count (PI)
• Lab Pasteurization Count (LPL)
• Components
• Freeze Point (water in milk)
• Water Testing (E. coli & Coliform)

Finished Dairy Product and Shelf-Life Testing

• Coliform
• Bacteria SPC
• Antibiotics (GI) Delvo
• Phosphatase Test
• Butterfat Infrared
• Butterfat Gerber

Other Liquid Products

• pH for products such as canned pickles and vegetables

Calibration

• Thermometers
• Pipettes

(Please call for current pricing)

Pregnancy Analysis

The IDEXX Milk and Blood Pregnancy Test is for improving efficiency of reproductive programs in dairy herds. It complements pregnancy detection methods by monitoring pregnancy status and identifying open cows. 

Facts about the test…

• The test measures pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) to determine status of the cow. The PAGs are released by the placenta during pregnancy and are specific to pregnancy unlike some other chemical indicators, such as progesterone. 

• Uses ELISA technology, a rapid and trusted diagnostic method with a high level of accuracy (98%+), comparable to palpation and ultrasound. 

• Effective anytime between 28-224 days. 

Convenient solutions…

• Use your DHIA samples or send milk samples through the mail-in packaging from Lancaster DHIA.

• If we are local to you, simply drop-off samples to our Lab or drop-box locations.

• When not using DHIA test day samples, you can strip milk (after milk-prep procedures) from one quarter for Lancaster DHIA to test.

• Choose cows for initial confirmation, mid-lactation, or pre-dry off verification using your DHIA reports or dates at the request of your veterinarian. 

Next steps…

• Contact your DHIA Field Technician to get started now or on your next test day or call the office for sample collection and mailing supplies.

Low cost!

• $3.50 per Milk or Blood sample tested.
• No cost for collection supplies.
• Cost for shipping by mailer to Lancaster DHIA:
• $4.75 (small envelope with 5 vials)
• $9.75 (box that holds up to 20 vials)

Disease Detection

BVD

Bulk Tank Testing (IDEXX RealPCR BVDV RNA)

Indicates whether the virus is present in any of the cows contributing to the bulk tank.

A maximum of 300 cows may contribute to a bulk tank sample.

Individual Animal Testing (IDEXX BVDV PI X2 ELISA)

To determine if a specific animal is infected with the virus. 

Performed on individual animal ear-notch or blood samples.

Johne’s Disease

IDEXX Paratuberculosis Screening ELISA – milk only

Mastitis

IDEXX RealPCR MilQ-ID

Reduce losses associated with mastitis infection.

Milk analysis can be performed on a specific cow, quarter, or bulk tank sample.

Three testing options below...

Contagious Analysis

Includes the following targets:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus agalactiae
• Streptococcus uberis
• Mycoplasma bovis

DNA Complete 16 Analysis

Includes the following targets:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus agalactiae
• Streptococcus uberis
• Mycoplasma bovis
• Staphylococcus spp.
• Gram-positive beta-lactamase gene
• Streptococcus dysgalactiae
• E. coli and related Shigella spp.
• Enterococcus spp.
• Klebsiella spp.
• Trueperella pyogenes
• Prototheca spp.
• Mycoplasma spp.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Corynebacterium bovis
• Yeast

Staph. aureus and Mycoplasma Analysis only

Pricing

BVD

$40.00 per bulk tank sample tested

$8.00 per sample tested (either ear-notch or blood)

Johne’s Disease Test (individual cow’s milk) - $6.50 

Contagious Analysis*           

Lancaster DHIA - DHI Lab Customer - $24.00

Non-Lancaster DHIA - DHI Lab Customer - $27.00

DNA Complete 16 Analysis*

Lancaster DHIA - DHI Lab Customer - $31.00

Non-Lancaster DHIA - DHI Lab Customer - $34.00

Staph. aureus and Mycoplasma Analysis only*

Lancaster DHIA - DHI Lab Customer - $20.00

Non-Lancaster DHIA - DHI Lab Customer - $23.00

*Pooled sampling available

Convenient next steps

• Use your DHIA samples or send preserved milk samples through the mail-in packaging from Lancaster DHIA.
  
  
• If we are local to you, simply drop-off preserved samples to our Lab or drop-box locations
  

Frozen Dairy Dessert Testing

Our Lab and Samplers are Certified by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety

Our Sampler will:

• Coordinate with you for appropriate times to come to your facility to take samples. 
• Use sanitary practices while at your facility.
• Use standard protocols designated by the PA Dept. of Agriculture for sampling each type of frozen dessert.
• Transport your sample(s) to our Microbiology Lab in a properly cooled shipper in a timely manner.

Our Microbiology Lab will:

• Ensure the sample(s) received is at the proper temperature for analysis.
• Record all items needed for the PA Dept. of Agriculture.
• Ensure a good turnaround time.
• Email or mail results to you.



Pricing:

Soft Serve Package: $24.55

(Includes Bacteria SPC and Coliform Test)

Frozen Yogurt Package: $12.25

(Includes Coliform Test)

Ala Carte / Mix Testing

Phosphatase Test: $18.00

Butterfat Test: $8.50