The Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory system has three laboratories. The central laboratory is located to the north of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. Our branch laboratories are in Grand Junction and Rocky Ford.

A pathologist is on-call for emergencies on weekends and holidays. Emergency personnel will take the appropriate history, owner, and veterinarian information.

If you wish to dropoff the samples in person, view our sample dropoff map.

View information for how to properly submit a biopsy sample.

Addresses to Submit by USPS

Addresses to submit by FedEx, UPS, or special courier:

For the Fort Collins Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

• If animals or samples are delivered in person, the Fort Collins laboratory is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays.

• The laboratory furnishes an after-hours refrigerator for small submissions. This refrigerator is located at the normal sample submission drop–off area at the diagnostic medicine center. Clinical pathology samples should be delivered to this same refrigerator.

• Whole animals delivered after hours for necropsy must be submitted through the Veterinary Teaching Hospital emergency service (small animal reception) prior to 10:00 p.m. Emergency personnel will take the appropriate history, owner and veterinarian information. Be sure to let them know the submission is intended for the Diagnostic Laboratory. A pathologist will conduct the necropsy on the next day.

Read the Submission Information Details page for more detailed information about submitting samples and the Sample Shipping Information page for specifics on shipping substances.

Accessions submitted to the CSU-VDL, including carcasses, tissues and agents isolated from samples, become the property of the CSU-VDL unless other arrangements are made in writing prior to or at the time of submission.