Hematology sample collection & shipping
Comprehensive information on procedures for sample collection, detailed instructions on the packaging and shipping process, and additional details for hematology.
Sample Requirements
EDTA whole blood in a lavendar top tube (LTT) is the preferred sample for most hematology services. Heparin-anticoagulated whole blood in a green top tube (GNTT) or sodium citrated whole blood in a blue top tube (BTT) are also acceptable
Collection Instructions
Standard CBCs require 150uL. Observe fill lines to achieve proper blood to anticoagulant ratio. Mix by gentle inversion to prevent clotting and hemolysis.
To avoid hemolysis, take sample immediately after vein is raised without milking the vein, avoid high negative pressure in the syringe during aspiration, and gently allow blood to run down the side of the tube wall.
Dilution strategies are available for lower volumes.
Sample Storage
Refrigerate samples at 2-8°C, samples cannot be frozen. Samples should be analyzed within 72 hours for optimal results.
Shipping
Ship on the same day as collection. Keep refrigerated on cold packs and prevent from freezing.
Turnaround Time
Most standard assays are reported within 3 business days.
Additional Information
Dilution strategies are possible. Please consult with your account manager.
Chemistry sample collection & shipping
Comprehensive information on procedures for sample collection, detailed instructions on the packaging and shipping process, and additional details for blood and urine chemistry tests.
Sample Requirements
Separated serum is preferred for most assays. EDTA plasma, LH plasma, urine, and CSF are possible for various assays.
Collection Instructions
Single analyte ~40 μL, standard panels between 50-270 μL.
Sample Storage
Most specimens require storage at 2-8°C if shipping within 24 hours of collection though some analytes should be maintained frozen. If stored longer than 24 hours, freeze samples in transport tubes.
Shipping
Ship samples on cold packs or dry ice as required based on requested tests and sample age.
Turnaround Time
Most standard assays are reported within 3 business days.
Additional Information
Dilution strategies are possible. Please consult with your account manager.
Coagulation sample collection & shipping
Sample Requirements
Citrated plasma is the preferred sample type for most coagulation panels. Sodium oxalate, EDTA, and heparin are not suitable and are not accepted.
Collection Instructions
Fill tube to appropriate volume; proper blood to anticoagulant ratio is important for accurate results. Rapid separation of citrated plasma from whole blood is recommended.
Sample Storage
Freeze separated plasma immediately at -20°C.
Shipping
Shipping on dry ice is recommended. Samples should remain frozen until analysis.
Turnaround Time
Most standard assays are reported within business 3 days.
Additional Information
Coagulation testing is performed at the North Grafton, MA laboratory.
Inflammatory markers sample collection & shipping
Sample Requirements
Cytokines: serum, plasma, cell culture supernatant, or standardized tissue homogenates. CRP or Haptoglobin: serum Fibrinogen: citrate or EDTA plasma
Collection Instructions
Cytokines: 35 µL
CRP and Haptoglobin: varies by species
Fibrinogen: 160 µL or 1mL EDTA
Sample Storage
Freeze separated plasma immediately at -20°C.
Shipping
Ship sample on cold packs or dry ice. Dry ice required for cytokine testing.
Turnaround Time
10 business days
Additional Information
Cytokines must remain frozen in transit. Thawed samples cannot be tested.
Bone Marrow sample collection & shipping
Sample Requirements
Varies based on service. Client Support or your account manager can provide more details as needed.
Collection Instructions
Varies based on service. Please contact Client Services or your account manager for more details.
Sample Storage
Smears should be held at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
Shipping
Ship slides in cardboard or plastic containers to prevent breaking. Ship at room temperature.
Turnaround Time
Varies based on services requested.
Additional Information
Proper collection techniques are vital for obtaining optimal results. Consultations can be arranged.
Histology sample collection & shipping
Sample Requirements
Organs, tissue (for Histology)
Collection Instructions
Place tissues in formalin for at least 24 hours before shipment. Tissue to formalin ratio should be 1 to 20 for proper fixation.
Whole rodent and tissues such as lung, brain, bone marrow and spinal cord have specialized collection protocols.
Make sure tissues are not tightly packed in jars or cassettes. Smaller tissues can be placed in a cassette or submitted attached to surrounding organs.
Label cassettes with a pencil. Even indelible ink will fade during processing.
Tissues can be shipped in 70% alcohol or formalin. If you plan to perform IHC testing after preparation, please consult with our Client Support Services team for the proper fixation protocol.
Store fixed samples at room temperature. Frozen samples must be stored and shipped on dry ice.
Sample Storage
Shipping
To preserve sample integrity and prevent leakage samples should be triple-bagged with each layer tied, knotted or secured individually.
Screw-topped containers are preferred. Make sure the lid is tightly secured to the jar and place a layer of Parafilm or tape to secure the lid to the jar.
Invert the jar to check for leaks and reseal if needed.
Place jar(s) into one gallon sealable bag with absorbent material such as paper towels and seal the bag.
Place samples in a sealable bag in a second sealable bag and seal or double-line (one bag inside of another) the shipping box with large garbage bags and tie off each bag separately.
Prior to knotting the first garbage bag, place absorbent packing materials around the bagged samples to not only absorb any leaked fluid but to prevent jostling and stabilize samples during shipment.
If sample jars are too large to seal in a one gallon sealable bag, you can also use garbage bags to triple line the shipping container.
Absorbent material should be placed around the samples in the first garbage bag prior to tying a knot in the bag.
Place the Histology Submission Form(s) or online submission packing slip and other supporting documents (if needed) on the outside of the second garbage bag.
Do not tape the inventory form to the outside of the box or place with samples in the same sealable bag.
Turnaround Time
Varies based on services requested.
Additional Information
Proper collection techniques are vital for obtaining optimal results. Consultations can be arranged.