Easily send DRY diagnostic samples across borders
International shipping of avian
and animal blood and other
fluid samples for diagnostic testing used to be difficult and
costly. But now Zoologix offers dry card PCR testing
for our international clients. Blood or other fluids are simply
spotted onto the card's surface according to the instructions on the
back of the card and allowed to dry. Each dried card is then sealed
inside its plastic pouch and mailed to Zoologix with the proper
permits (contact Zoologix for
help with permits).
Dry cards work well for international handling of
diagnostic specimens because...
- Liquid samples are perishable, but dry
card samples remain stable for weeks at room temperature.
- Liquid sample tubes are delicate, but
dry card samples are unbreakable.
- Liquid samples are bulky and heavy, but
dry card samples are flat and light.
- Liquid samples need costly packing and special
handling, but dry card samples ship in an envelope.
- Liquid samples can be infectious, but
dry cards render most pathogens non-infectious for greater safety
in transit.
- PCR tests from liquid samples are highly
sensitive, specific and fast. PCR tests from dry cards
are, too!
PCR from dry card samples is a rapid, specific and
sensitive technique for screening most infectious diseases of poultry,
other birds and livestock. Zoologix performs tests for
many different infectious diseases from dry cards with a turnaround time of
three business days following arrival of samples at our lab.
Copies of our import permits are emailed
or faxed to our
clients for enclosure with samples. And Zoologix provides blank
cards to our international clients at no charge
-- just email Zoologix for
your free dry card shipping kit.
Dry card sample collection instructions:
1. Never touch inside of card or inside of flap.
2. Lift flap only when sample is ready to apply.
3. Spot sample inside circle. For blood or other liquid samples,
apply sample until circle is full, but do not apply more sample than
the paper can absorb. For swab samples, collect with a dry, sterile
swab, then immediately rub swab firmly inside circle to transfer as
much material as possible to paper. Do not re-use the swab after it
touches the card.
4. Allow paper to dry completely, >1 hour, depending on humidity.
Do not use heat to dry. Keep contaminants away.
5. When dry, close flap. Write sample information in space
provided. Seal card inside plastic bag and send to Zoologix.
