Guidelines for Packing and Shipping

General Information

Labeling:

• Label each specimen with the owner's last name and the animal's name/number.
• Clearly distinguish acute samples from convalescent samples.
• Label serology tubes in numerical and consecutive order (1, 2, 3, etc.)

Packing:

• Place the tubes into the serum boxes in the order corresponding to the test charts.
• Do not send specimens in hypodermic syringes.
• Samples shipped in cardboard boxes should be placed in a waterproof liner and sealed tightly to prevent leakage.
• If shipping fluid specimens in self-sealing plastic bags, double bag each specimen to avoid leakage.
• Ship frozen or refrigerated material in a properly insulated container, clearly marked on the outside as a frozen/refrigerated laboratory specimen.
• Use gel packs for a refrigerant (never use wet ice).
• Enclose the submittal form(s) in a waterproof bag and place it on top of the specimens in the shipping container.

Shipping:

• Shipping by overnight courier is preferred.
• The sender is responsible for postage or special delivery charges.

Shipping Regulations

Diagnostic specimens must be shipped in accordance with the U.S. Government Code of Federal Regulations (Title 49, volume 2). Click here to view these regulations.