shipping instructions 
PCR Pak
(tm)
Zoologix provides PCR Paks to USA clients as needed. Each PCR Pak
includes a dry card (for drying and
shipping blood, CSF or semen), a dry swab (for nasal, tracheal,
conjunctival, genital, rectal or other swab samples), primary and
secondary ziplock bags, a submission form and a preaddressed,
postage-paid envelope for mailing samples to Zoologix from any USA
location. Simply collect samples per the instructions, complete the
submission form and drop in any US Mail box. Avoid exposing samples
to excessive heat -- for example, during warm weather avoid dropping
the PCR Pak in a mailbox in direct sunlight.
You may also send
your own swabs to Zoologix in a PCR Pak envelope, but please do not
send liquids in PCR Pak envelopes.
Mailed PCR Paks
arrive at Zoologix in normal US Mail transit time, usually no more
than ~3 business days. If you need overnight transit time for
your samples, you may prefer to send the PCR Pak via your courier (eg
FedEx). The PCR Pak fits inside a standard flat courier envelope.
Liquid
samples
Collect fresh whole blood samples in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow
top) tubes, seal, then immediately invert several times to thoroughly
mix the blood with the preservative material in the tube.
Collect other
liquid samples (eg lavage, liquid feces, CSF) in plain tubes or
similar clean, leakproof containers.
Ship liquid
samples via overnight service the same day as collected if possible.
Refrigerate samples if shipping will be delayed for more than a few
hours. Room temperature shipping is adequate unless there is a chance
that samples will be in transit for more than ~24 hours or during very
warm weather -- in those cases ship samples with cold packs (not dry
ice) in an insulated shipping container.
Frozen
samples
All frozen samples should be shipped on dry ice so as to remain frozen
until arrival at Zoologix. Follow the carrier's requirements for dry
ice shipments. Contact Zoologix for advice if frozen samples will be
in transit for longer than ~24 hours.
Other
nonliquid samples
Place swab samples, fresh tissue, solid fecal samples and other
nonliquid samples in individual, clean, labeled, sealed containers
without transport medium, such as plain tubes or ziplock bags. Ship at
room temperature the same day as collected if possible. If fresh
tissue or fecal samples must be held before shipping for more than a
few hours, refrigerate and ship within a few days with cold packs.
Swab samples may be shipped at room temperature if less than ~3-4
days' time is expected from origination at the animal source to the
samples' arrival at Zoologix. Preserved tissue may be shipped at room
temperature.
Sample
labeling
Uniquely, clearly and permanently label each sample container with an
ID of your choice. These client IDs will identify samples in the
Results Report. Write the IDs on your submission form too.
Packaging
Enclose
all primary sample containers (tubes, bags, etc.) together inside a
secondary leakproof ziplock bag (as provided in the PCR Pak) or other
leakproof container. Protect glass tubes from contact with each other
and pack them so they do not jostle in transit. Enclose enough
absorbent material (batting, toweling or similar) inside the secondary
bag or container to fully absorb the total volume of all samples
should a catastrophic spill occur in transit. Use dunnage if necessary
to prevent movement of contents. Label the outer carton per the
carrier's requirements.
A completed
Zoologix submission form should be enclosed
with every shipment.
International sample handling
Zoologix
can perform testing of dried blood and other liquids from
dry cards, which we provide to our
clients outside the United States. Liquid samples are placed on the
cards and dried per instructions printed on the back of each card.
Carded samples remain stable for several weeks at room temperature, so
handling requirements are less stringent, easing international sample
shipping. Phone 818-717-8880 or
email Zoologix to request dry cards and copies of our import
permits.
Receiving
hours
Zoologix
receives deliveries Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Weekend deliveries can
usually be arranged with advance notice -- contact Zoologix at least
24 hours in advance to confirm weekend receiving.
Send all
samples to:
Zoologix, Inc.
9811 Owensmouth Ave
Suite 4
Chatsworth CA 91311
USA
Phone: 818-717-8880
