A customized Investigator Manual is created for each study. Refer to your document for specific specimen shipping instructions beyond the general information provided here.

Pre-shipment Checklist

Ensure that the following criteria are met prior to sending specimens to Mayo Central Laboratory:

• The correct visit-specific kit has been used.
• The proper specimen container has been used.
• The correct type(s) of specimen(s) has been collected.
• Specimen containers have been properly and completely labeled and are legible.
• Serum/plasma has been checked and does not show signs of gross hemolysis.
• The requisition form has been completed and one copy is enclosed with each bag of specimen(s).
• The specimen(s) has been stored and will be shipped at the appropriate temperature.

 

Infectious or Hazardous Substances

Specimen containers as well as instructions for specimen collection and shipment are provided to each site by Mayo Central Laboratory. Federal regulations [49 CFR 100-185] mandate that sites transporting or shipping hazardous materials be subject to and comply with all provisions of the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Law.

Additional information concerning these regulations is available from the Department of Transportation (DOT) Web site or by contacting the DOT hotline at 800-467-4922.

Specimen Shipment

Specimens should be sent to Mayo Central Laboratory on the same day they are collected if at all possible. Do not collect specimens on the day before, the day of, or the observed day of a US national holiday. Transportation services are frequently not available and results may be compromised by the delay. Contact Mayo Central Laboratory for specific instructions if specimens must be collected on the day before, or the observed day of, a US national holiday.

Ensure that specimens are packaged in Mayo Central Laboratory transport bags according to instructions for each study visit. Also, ensure that all of the required labels are clearly visible on the shipping boxes. Boxes will be delayed and specimen quality may be jeopardized if any required labels are missing, covered, or not filled out properly.

Before shipping, do the following:

• Obtain dry ice if using a "frozen specimen" container. Mayo Clinic does not supply dry ice.
• Freeze and store cold packs in a -20°C freezer if using a "refrigerated specimen" container. Do not use dry ice to freeze cold packs as dry ice freezes the cold packs at a temperature that may cause samples to freeze more readily.

Specimens must be completely packaged in shipping containers prior to pickup:

Frozen specimens

Place the "frozen specimen" transport bag, along with 3 to 4 lbs (2kg) of commercially prepared dry ice, into the "frozen" Styrofoam® container. Pellets or chunks no more than 8 cm on a side are preferred.

If using dry ice, enter the amount (kg) of dry ice by the striped label.

Refrigerated specimens

Place a solidly frozen cold pack in the bottom of the "Refrigerate Only" Styrofoam® shipping container. To minimize the risk of freezing the sample(s), insulate the container with several layers of paper towels. Place the "refrigerated specimen" transport bag into the container and add another several layers of paper towels to protect the sample(s). Seal the container.

If no dry ice is used, completely cover the dry ice label on the front of the box.