By: Edited Press Release
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Drug Testing Laboratory received interim accreditation from the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) board at the group’s October meeting. The laboratory is only the seventh such to achieve this status.
The laboratory annually performs more than 3,500 tests for livestock and 7,400 tests for canine and equine racing animals. Since 1989, when the Texas Racing Act gave TVMDL the responsibility for providing drug testing services to the pari-mutual horse and greyhound racing industries, the drug testing laboratory has provided reliable screening for illegal and regulated therapeutic drugs in performance animals. Chemists work with veterinarians, offering diagnostic testing that helps ensure animal and public health.
“In order to achieve RMTC accreditation, we submitted to a rigorous application process, had a site inspection and completed the first round of an external quality assurance test,” said Travis Mays, MS, analytical chemistry section head, the section that oversees the drug testing and toxicology labs at TVMDL. “We are confident that the lab will confidently pass further inspections to fulfill the requirements for full RMTC accreditation.”
The laboratory continues to make strides in improve upon the expert testing already provided to clients. In 2014, the lab received ISO 17025 accreditation from the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Competition Animal Drug Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program. Receiving this interim accreditation from RMTC is reflective of the superior level of service and attentiveness provided to clients by the drug testing laboratory.
On Oct. 13, the RMTCÂ released information on the interim accreditation. The release included American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) president, Glenn Blodgett, DVM, praising the laboratory.
“I am extremely proud that the drug testing section of the TVMDL has been granted interim accreditation by the RMTC,” said Blodgett. “Texas lies in the heart of Quarter Horse racing, and the AQHA is very proud to add another RMTC-accredited lab. Along with the AQHA, I would like to personally congratulate the Texas lab for this accomplishment.”
The Texas Thoroughbred Association, American Quarter Horse Association, and the Texas Greyhound Association represent only one group of clients the drug testing laboratory serves annually. However, the industries have significant impact on the state’s economy. The laboratory has state-of-the-art diagnostic assays and cutting edge technology focused on serving the livestock and racing industries in and around the state.
