Sample Handling Requirements:
For our tests, we require a 12 hour fasted serum sample. Please note that the serum MUST be separated from the blood clot and serum should be transferred into a new tube. The serum sample may be sent in a red top tube or any other leak-proof tube without additives as long as the serum is separated from the clot. Wrap the tube in enough absorbent material (e.g., paper towels) to absorb its entire contents in case of a spill, and place it in a plastic (i.e., ziploc) bag. Include at least one gel ice pack with your shipment to keep the sample at cool temperatures. Do not include ice cubes. Please note that lipemia and hemolysis may interfere with some test results, therefore we prefer a clear serum sample that is not lipemic or hemolytic to avoid inaccurate results.

Shipping Guidelines:
We recommend that you send your sample with Fed-Ex, UPS, or DHL. This does not have to be sent overnight, unless the test requested is a fecal alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor test (see special shipping guidelines). Otherwise the sample may be shipped 2nd day or Ground depending on when the actual assay is run (serum samples for TLI, PLI, cobalamin, and folate are stable for up to 2 weeks at room temperature). Please note that there is NO Saturday delivery at Texas A&M University. Note: Due to delivery procedures at such a large university, packages sent with the US Postal Service can often be delayed or even lost within departments. Please DO NOT use the US Postal Service as a carrier.

Shipping information for PCR testing: We need approximately 1 gram of fecal material for each PCR assay. Our stability studies have shown that bacterial DNA in fecal samples is stable for up to 72 hours under refrigeration and for at least four weeks when frozen at -20°C. We recommend freezing samples and shipping them with a frozen gel pack by overnight carrier.

Please include a completed Submission Form inside the package with your sample.

Labeling the Shipping Box:
Fill out the appropriate carrier’s shipping label with the address noted above and attach it to the box. We cannot pay shipping fees. Please note that the GI Lab does not accept packages marked “Bill Receiver”. Unfortunately, we must refuse these packages and we are not liable for any resultant delays.
Somewhere on the outside of the package, as well as on the shipping label, please mark “Biological Specimen, suspected category B.” This is a requirement of the Texas Department of Transportation.

International Shipments ONLY:
In addition to the guidelines listed above, please include the following:
1. Plastic, leak-proof sample tubes
2. Several frozen gel ice packs to account for longer transport or dry ice for fecal alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor test samples (see special shipping guidelines). (Shipping dry ice has specific regulations; please contact your carrier for instructions)
3. Packing material for extra padding
4. Please attach the following statement to the outside of the box. Also include a copy inside the box on official letterhead with a signature.
“This shipment contains only canine/feline serum, urine or fecal samples (word as appropriate) for diagnostic testing. These samples are not contagious or infectious, and have not been derived from animals exposed to agents of agricultural concern. This shipment has no commercial value.”

Please visit our FAQ page for additional questions.