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BSE testing laboratory approvals  

The Government has in place a statutory mechanism under Schedule 2, Part 1, paragraph 4 of the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (England) Regulations 2008.

This allows competent BSE rapid test laboratory sites to be placed on an approved list for performing rapid BSE tests on human consumption cattle brainstems. The sites need to demonstrate compliance with the criteria provided by the VLA and pass the required inspections and quality assurance exercises.

Only approved laboratories may perform this work. VLA approves laboratories on application after the analysis of the laboratory site, quality system, management, testing and data handling systems proposed.

• Form
• Flowchart
• Sample condition code list
• Approved laboratories

Form

Please download and complete form, BTF718 (580kb word), to request laboratory site approval under the Regulations.

The application will need to refer to the VLA criteria document (43kb pdf) which has been recently updated (version 3). Amendment are highlighted in grey and a summary of changes to the clauses is available below:

• Clause 18 - concerning storage period for records.

• Clause 20 - where BSE is specified for testing.

• Clauses 22, 31, 34 & 35 - where Animal Health (AH) replaces AHDB and some other government departments as of 1 April.

• Clause 39 - which specifies reporting of anomalies and adds MHS to Defra for reporting of poor performance of abattoirs.

The form must be returned:

• in paper format,
• signed,
• with supporting documentation as stipulated,
• and the appropriate fee as listed in the Regulations.

Flowchart

A flowchart (592kb pdf) describes the approvals process and the timescale of approval which will be subject to availability of the VLA laboratory approvals team members and state of readiness of the laboratory site to be approved.

No timescale can be agreed ahead of the process starting and no activity will be initiated by VLA until payment has been received.

NRL-controlled sample condition code list

The condition of human consumption cattle brainstem samples are to be categorised according to the following document.

• Sample condition code list

The document is controlled by the UK TSE NRL. The codes are agreed with MHS and Defra and are to be used in test result reporting after 8 February 2009. Laboratory staff should be made familiar with these revised codes and the instructions which relate to them.

BSE rapid test approved laboratories

The laboratories listed below have been approved for BSE testing of healthy slaughtered cattle for human consumption purposes in the UK.

All these sites are monitored regularly for continued approval by the VLA under our responsibilities as the UK TSE National Reference Laboratory.

These approved laboratory sites are displayed in alphabetical order of the parent company and not in preferential or time-related order.