ESC Drug Sample Collection Process

The ESC Vet is responsible for completing the process below for each horse randomly selected for drug testing and explaining the labeling of samples. The ESC Vet issues a Yellow Ticket to the equine parties involved with the horses sampled and includes the Unique Animal Identifier linked to the Sample Collection process below.

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STEPS	RESULTS
Step 1 – ESC Requirements of Testing Lab	ESC requires the drug testing lab to have operated successfully for at least 5 years under ISO controls and continues to maintain laboratory accreditations for ISO 17025 (A2LA) Competitions Animal Drug Abuse Testing. Texas A&M has been selected with over 35 years of certified equine drug testing experience. Texas A&M credentials
Step 2 – ESC Requirements of Contract Vet	ESC requires that the contracting vet be licensed in the US and specialize in Equine Practices. The vet must provide at least two recommendations from practicing equine vets. Must carry medical malpractice insurance and successfully pass a criminal and sexual misconduct background check. Accepted by ESC insurance underwriters for $2M malpractice and governing body 1099 contractor. The ESC Vet may ONLY perform sample collection on the show grounds and should never give drug administration advice or medically treat any horse on the show grounds.
Step 3 – Use of Allowed Medications	The ESC Allowed Medications contains 16 therapies with dosing amounts and withdraw times. Most withdraw times are 12 hours and Medical Forms when required must be done one hour before competing unless medications are for Ship/Clip, Cushing’s or Navicular diseases. Otherwise Medical Forms are not required when used per the guidelines. Agents/Owners may submit Medical Forms. Allowed Medications Medical Forms – conditionally required Dosing Guidelines – provided Withdraw Times – provided, most 12 hours
Step 4 – Use of Controlled Medications	The ESC Controlled & Banned Medications contains over 1050 drugs. Limited use of Controlled medications is permitted when a veterinarian diagnosis an illness or injury and then oversees the administration of medication. Controlled Medications used may not impact the performance of the horse. Withdraw times are at least 24 hours, unless noted otherwise. Use of NSAIDS from this list require 7 day withdraw. Only limited dosing amounts compared to Withdraw times are available by the industry, and therefore Medical Forms are required at the time of therapy administration. Use of Banned Medications is not permitted or condoned at any time, therefore ESC does not generally provide withdraw times. Controlled Medications Medical Forms – Always Required at dosing Dosing Guidelines – Prescribing vet determines Withdraw Times – 24 Hours unless noted
Step 5 – A&B Drug Testing Kits	A and B Sample Kits for individual packaging and shipping of A & B Samples contain two hazard bags, three red top vacutainers, one product sealed needle. Two A samples and One B sample once labeled and filled are returned to individual bags for storage and shipping. Label bags with Animal ID Designate A or B Date Session Vet’s Initials
Step 6 – Vacutainer & Security Tape Labeling	A total of three red vacutainers must be filled to 70% with blood. Two vacutainers are designated as “A Samples” and one vacutainer is designated as “B Sample”. All labeling MUST BE completed by the vet using ESC supplies. Labels must be verified by the witness and therefore its recommended the vet completes prior to performing blood draws. Blood draws maybe performed by client or their designated representative. The Red Security Tape goes over the vacutainer red top and down the backside of the vile and should NOT cover the vile’s label. Label vacutainers and security tape as follows: Vacutainers Labels Animal ID Designate A or B + ESC Security Tape Labels Animal ID Designate A or B + ESC Date Vet’s Initials
Step 7 – Chain of Custody	ESC contract vet uses the Chain of Custody software to complete sample labeling and Animal Identification process for each horse tested. Security measures have been taken to track IP Address, Geo Location and Amount of time it takes to complete the Chain of Custody. Names of witnesses, horses, owners or agents are NOT provided to the lab. ESC randomized drug testing begins with the ESC Vet determining which horses will be tested and then notifying at the show ring exit gate which agents/exhibitors were selected for lab sampling. Provided to the Agents/Exhibitors is a YELLOW ticket with a QR code that links to the ESC Drug Testing Process below. The YELLOW ticket also contains the Unique Animal Identifier (UAI) assigned to each horse for the duration of sample collection, lab processing and then referenced on the lab’s test results which become available 30-60 days after the show. The ESC Vet will accompany the Agent/Horse back to the stalls to complete the process. An agent, owner or their assigned proxy must Witness the collection of samples and labeling process. Show Steward may witness if agent/proxy was not available. Witnesses to the collection of samples receive an automated email confirmation as well as the ESC vet will provide to the witnesses an information pamphlet that explains the drug testing process. Agent/Owners that do not provide quick and unfettered access to the horse for drug testing, hold the horse for blood draws or when drug testing attempts fail the ESC Vet must complete an Incident Report which may result in penalties to the Agent/Owner.
Step 8 – Hematoma Occurrence	While rare during a blood draw horses may jump or move causing development of a hematoma from the needles position. The ESC vet should remove the needle and apply bandages and pressure until the show vet arrives. The ESC vet may not prescribe treatment of the hematoma, and must move onto the next horse to be tested when the show vet arrives. ESC and Horse Show Management are not responsible for any costs associated with hematoma occurrences or treatments. The ESC Vet must complete an Incident Report when this occurs.
Step 8 – Daily Sample & Shipping Logs	Daily Sample and Shipping logs collect ONLY the data required by the drug testing lab and include Date Collected, Session, Animal ID, Breed, Age and Weight. Logs are electronically generated upon completion of the Chain of Custody submission. These logs are available to Show Management, Testing Lab, ESC and testing vet.
Step 9 – Storage, Packaging & Shipping	Samples are individually labeled, then packaged by sample type and batched by sessions or days. Samples are securely cold stored until shipped overnight to the Drug Testing Lab. Shipping container must include Shipping logs and labeled samples.