Easily
send DRY diagnostic samples across borders
International shipping of equine 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 horses.
Zoologix performs tests for >40 different equine 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
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.
