United States Department of AgricultureNational Centers for Animal Health
Ames, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
General NCAH Portal:
| Do I need JavaScript to use this site? |
| How do I gain access to the NCAH Portal |
| Is there a size limit for attachments? |
| What are the minimum browser requirements? |
Center For Veterinary Biologics:
General NCAH Portal:
Q: Do I need JavaScript to use this site?
Yes, JavaScript is required to interact with this site. To ensure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser, please use the following URL and follow the instructions on how to enable JavaScript. Here
Q: How do I gain access to the NCAH Portal
You must first establish an USDA eAuthentication account by visiting: https://www.eauth.usda.gov/eauth/b/usda/registration/. Most diagnostic submissions require a non-verified identity account. Most biologics submissions require a verified identity account.
Q: Is there a size limit for attachments?
Yes, attachments must be 35MB or less.
Q: What are the minimum browser requirements?
In order for all NCAH Portal functions to operate as expected you must have at least Internet Explorer 11, Safari version 12.x on macOS, or the most recent stable versions of Microsoft Edge/Firefox/Google Chrome.
Center For Veterinary Biologics:
Q: Can I submit both hard copy and electronic of the same serial for Serial Release?
Only 1 submission of a Form 2008 (either through the NCAH Portal or hard-copied mailed to the CVB) with the same disposition may be submitted. The duplicate that is received 2nd will be audited back.
Q: Can I submit reagents for Special Request Testing via the NCAH Portal?
Yes, if you are submitting the reagents as part of a Special Test Request. Add the reagent information in the "Remarks" Section for a sample submission.
Q: Can I use special characters in the serial number field when entering sample data for submission?
No, only alphanumeric characters are allowed in the serial number field. If special characters are used they will be deleted upon entry into LSRTIS. For example, an entry of 001/16 will be entered into LSRTIS as 00116.
Q: Does the testing data attachment need to be PDF?
Yes, attachments for the testing data must be PDF.
Q: How do I access the CVB submission area?
You must have an active e-Authentication account and supply that information to CVB. Once that information is processed by CVB you will have access through the portal to perform the roles designated by your firm.
Q: How do I get access to the CVB portion of NCAH Portal?
You must first create a Level 2 USDA eAuthentication account by visiting: https://identitymanager.eems.usda.gov/registration/index.aspx. Then you must provide your eAuthentication user name to the CVB for entry into LSRTIS. If you have the specific roles indicated you then will have access at your next log in.
Q: How should I submit diluents for my samples via the NCAH Portal?
When submitting diluents for samples via the NCAH Portal, add a comment (similar to what you used to put on an APHIS Form 2020) in the Remarks field when entering data for the associated sample.
Q: What does it mean if a sample is Rejected?
Samples may be rejected by NCAH Sample Processing for a variety of reasons; such as broken vials, sample condition, and/or a discrepancy between sample information on the packing slip and on the sample label. If samples are Rejected, they will not be assigned a sample code and the samples will be destroyed. You will receive notice of the rejection in your daily email with a rejection reason. Resubmission of the sample and a new packing slip is needed.
Q: What does the CVB require for documentation of marketing authorization by the CVB?
The Electronic Notice of Serial Release (ENSR) is the only required documentation for marketing authorization by the CVB. The 2008 Report available via the NCAH Portal is offered as a customer service to firms that may find it facilitates export of products; it is not required by the CVB.
Q: What if I change my eAuth username?
If you change your eAuth username, you MUST provide your new username to CVB otherwise you will not have access to the CVB section of the NCAH Portal.
Q: Where can I find help specific to submissions to CVB through the NCAH Portal?
Go to the NCAH Portal Guidance page on the CVB website. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/veterinary-biologics/sa_ncah_portal_guidance/ct_cvb_portal_guidance
Q: Why are all the pages after page 1 blank on my 2008 Report?
If you are using a fillable PDF for your test data file the fillable fields will appear blank in the 2008 Report. To avoid this, you need to “flatten” the PDF prior to uploading the file. Detailed instructions for “flattening” can be found in the General Guide to APHIS 2008s on the CVB website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_biologics/publications/2008GeneralUserGuide.pdf
Q: Why is my 2008 Report not showing all my test data?
The 2008 Report generated in the NCAH Portal only includes test data that is uploaded in the Test Data File field. If you have multiple pages of test data, you need to combine them into one PDF file and then upload that file in the Test Data File field.