PCHS Accreditation
Detailed information and forms you may need as a PCHS member or vet including scheme rules and guides, testing and submission forms, and price list.
Turnaround times:
Blood, milk, tissue tag and faecal PCR samples normally take 5-10 working days, with delays possible during very busy periods. Please help us to achieve turnaround times by making sure you have filled in the necessary paperwork.
Testing labels:
If you need labels for testing early please let us know via the contact page or call the PCHS team on 01835 822 456. We will check your records in our database to see if this is possible.
PCHS member inspections:
CHECs auditors will be phoning a random selection of PCHS members to arrange a farm audit - these were previously on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
PCHS Test and price lists
Accreditation scheme rules & guides
Testing, submission & other forms
IMPORTANT: If this is your first health schemes test we require our membership application form to be completed and returned with the samples. We cannot process the samples without this form.
Pen Card application
Bovine Health Declarations, otherwise known as Pen or Sale Cards, are produced by CHECS Health Scheme providers so that you can promote your accredited high status livestock to potential buyers.
Last year the PCHS Team produced around 1250 pen cards for 200 of our 4000 members. Our busiest months are February, March, May and October so please allow extra time planning during this period.
To ensure we are able to get the correct information and cards to you on time please follow these three simple steps:
- Please plan ahead and organise your testing so that you receive your Sale Cards promptly. We need 2 weeks’ notice before an event and 6 weeks’ notice if testing is required as well.
- Check the requirements of your individual breed society and liaise with your vet to ensure all necessary testing is undertaken.
- Download and complete a Sale Card application form from (below) – ensure you fill in the information you want to be displayed as it is your responsibility to do this. Your PCHS accredited status will automatically be added to the Sale Card.
Learn more
Sample requirements & sending samples
Download our PCHS quick guide to see sample requirements for each disease. Send all samples to St Boswells following Royal Mail guidelines.
PCHS blood samples – red top tubes. Samples should be dispatched to us within 48 hours of collection and refrigerated until dispatch
PCHS milk samples – must be used with preservative
PCHS BVD ear tissue samples – keep tags in a cool dry place (DO NOT FREEZE) and submit in batches every two weeks to prevent sample deterioration.
SRUC use PCR testing for detecting BVD virus in ear tissue samples for Caisley and Shearwell tags. PCR is the most reliable method for BVD detection as, unlike ELISA test methods, it is unaffected by the presence of maternal antibodies in samples from young calves. Please note: sometimes we test using ELISA if incorrect tags or incorrect submission forms are sent in.
SRUC’s uses automated systems for scanning barcodes, and pooling samples allowing for efficient, easy sample tracking while minimising the risk of sample handling errors.
- Caisley operates a 'Pay as you Go' system and the form to submit with the samples can be found here.
- We accept Shearwell tags (Management and UK Tags).
- You can also buy tags independently and send them to SRUC but please check with us first that we can process the tag type. More information can be found here.
BVD test results from other laboratories
- For clients using another testing lab for BVD tag and test for their own records, we advise carrying out a ‘check test’ via PCHS each year (please make sure you blood test five unvaccinated animals between 9-18 months of age in each management group, totalling at least seven animals).
- We do accept tag test results from other laboratories with current ISO17025 to go towards your Premium Cattle Health Scheme accreditation, subject to an admin fee and your vet MUST sign a declaration that all calves have been tested in accordance with the rules of PCHS. If you are in England and Wales, you must also send in the results.
You might also be interested in:
Back to PCHS member resources
Thinking of joining PCHS?
Learn more about SRUC’s Premium cattle health schemes, the diseases they cover, how to apply for membership, prices and what’s involved.
Read more
Quick links for vets in practice
Quick links for vets in practice including health scheme rules, submission forms and where to send samples.
Read more
Premium Sheep & Goat Health Scheme
Our PSGHS provide an important framework for establishing the disease status of a flock, as well as guidance for reduction, eradication and certification of freedom from disease.
Read more
Other health schemes
Including the SRUC Veterinary Services Scrapie Monitoring Scheme, the Shetland Islands Health Scheme, and Highlands and Islands Sheep Health Association (HISHA) Scheme
Read more
Find out more about our services
Vet & laboratory services
Our leading experts provide support to clients in areas animal disease, diagnosis and surveillance.
Read more
Contact vet & laboratory services
Contact our team and benefit from their experience and expertise.
Read more
SAC Consulting
Our consultants in 25 offices across Scotland and northern England turn research into advice and advantage for business and public sector alike.
Read more