COMMON PROBLEMS WITH SAMPLES
The following common mistakes create safety concerns, degrade the diagnostic value of specimens, and delay the processing of samples.
1. Fresh tissue samples.
- Sample shipped with inadequate or no cooling.
- For Friday cases, fresh tissue samples should be refrigerated over the weekend and shipped on Monday by overnight courier service.
- Be aware of 3-day weekends and ship after the weekend; refer to Business Hours. Fresh tissue samples shipped without secondary, leak-proof packaging; interior of shipping container soiled with blood and body fluids.
- No warning (phone call, email, or note on package) of potentially zoonotic disease samples in package.
2. Biopsy and other histopathology samples
- Biopsy samples have no label on the specimen container; include animal name, owner name, and clinic case number.
- Biopsy sample submitted without secondary, leak-proof packaging.
- Biopsy submitted in pill bottles, which are not designed for fluid containment.
- Fresh tissue wedged into a rigid container with small opening. After fixation, the firm, fixed tissue cannot be removed without cutting open the container.
- Submission form placed in secondary container with leaking biopsy; papers arrive soaked in formalin.
- Biopsy shipped in container with Biohazard symbol. This is not necessary and creates high levels of concern if identified by the courier.
3. Blood tubes
- Blood tube boxes and containers contain discarded needles.
- Blood tubes inadequately packaged; arrive leaking due to loose caps or stopper, or tube broken.
- Blood tubes inadequately labeled.
- Blood tubes coated in dried, crusted blood.
4. Forms
- Use of out-date forms. Current approved forms are available at Submission Forms. Incomplete veterinary contact information.
- Submission form lacks signature of submitting, responsible person.
- Incomplete client identification on form
- Incomplete animal identification on form: ID, breed, sex, age
Shipping Options
| Service Type | Weight Limit | Additional Restrictions | Cost (Flat Rate) | Same-Day Pickup | Future-Day Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Ground | 40 lbs. or less | Sent from Alabama | $7 | $6.90 | $5.80 |
| UPS Next Day Air | 20 lbs. or less | Sent from Alabama | $15 | $6.90 | $5.80 |
| UPS Next Day Air | 10 lbs. or less | Sent from GA, TN, FL and MS | $20 | $6.90 | $5.80 |
| UPS Next Day Air | 10 lbs. or less | Sent from the other 43 contiguous states | $30 | $6.90 | $5.80 |