The preanalytical phase which includes sample collection, handling, storage and shipping is an important component to the quality of data produced at Antech GLP. Please reach out to us should you have any questions regarding the guidelines below.
Whole Blood
Whole blood generally refers to unclotted whole blood and is further clarified by the type of anticoagulant used in the collection tube.
Sample Handling
Gently invert to mix sample. Do not centrifuge. Label tube appropriately ie. animal ID, collection date ect.
Storage
Whole blood should be kept cool and not frozen.
Shipping
All samples should be shipped on ice packs. If whole blood is shipped, the sample should be wrapped in paper towels to prevent direct contact of the tube with the ice. Find forms and directions for shipping samples here.
Plasma
Plasma is the fluid that is removed after centrifugation of anticoagulated whole blood. Plasma can be obtained from the use of several different anti-coagulants. Because each type of anti-coagulant changes the plasma, not all anticoagulants are acceptable for all tests.
Sample Handling
Gently invert to mix sample. Centrifuge ASAP, transfer supernatant, and discard red cells. Label the tube appropriately ie. animal ID, collection date ect.
Storage
Plasma should be separated immediately after collection, transferred to a cryovial, and frozen immediately.
Shipping
All samples should be shipped on ice packs or on dry ice. Find forms and directions for shipping samples here.
Serum
Serum is the sample of choice for chemistry and other esoteric testing. Many tests are validated using serum rather than plasma and therefore only serum will be accepted for these tests.
Sample Handling
Let sit to allow clot formation (30-60 minutes at room temperature or 2-4 hours refrigerated). Centrifuge after clot forms, then transfer supernatant and discard red cells. Label new tube animal ID and as serum.
Storage
All samples should be refrigerated or frozen.
Shipping
All samples should be shipped on ice packs or dry ice. Find forms and directions for shipping samples here.
Urine
Urinalysis is a panel of medical tests that includes physical examination of the urine, chemical evaluation using urine test strips, and microscopic examination.
Sample Handling
Samples should be collected in a sterile manner and be of adequate volume (test volume requirements can be found here.)
Storage
Urine should be stored refrigerated to maximize cell preservation and minimize bacterial growth.
Shipping
All samples should be shipped on ice packs. Find forms and directions for shipping samples here.
Recommended Tubes
EDTA whole blood
The Lavender (purple) top tube (plus 2 blood smears) should be submitted for a hemogram without separation or freezing but should be kept cool.
Citrate plasma
The Light blue top tube, for samples removed after centrifugation of blood, should be kept cool and can be submitted for most comparative coagulation tests (other than blood typing.)
Serum
The Red top tube is for the supernatant that is removed after a clot has formed and centrifugation of blood. For certain tests in clinical pathology and endocrinology the serum must be separated for accurate results.
Heparinized plasma
The Green top tube is for samples removed after centrifugation of blood and can be submitted for many clinical pathology chemistry tests.
Serum separator tubes
Tiger top tubes can be substituted for red top tubes in some instances but should be avoided for certain endocrinology and clinical pathology tests such as a progesterone baseline, thyroid panels, cortisol tests and certain drug levels. These tubes should be centrifuged after the clot forms and the serum transferred to a separate container.
Sending Samples on a Friday for Saturday Delivery
Because this procedure is not routine, you must have prior approval of the Laboratory Director before Saturday deliveries are accepted. Samples should be sent via FedEx only. Please do not send samples for Saturday delivery prior to a holiday.
The airbill for FedEx should be completed to include the below information:
1.
Deliver to:
David Brown ANTECH® GLP
5410 PAGE RD STE 200
Durham, NC 27703
Phone: (919) 630-0874
2.
Check box “FedEx Priority Overnight”
Check box “HOLD Saturday at FedEx Location”
Check Saturday Delivery
3.
Complete all other sections as required
E-mail the Alert Form with FedEx airbill number to [email protected]
IF FEDEX TRACKING NUMBER IS NOT PROVIDED, WE CANNOT PICK UP THE SAMPLES.
