Submit Samples

Supplies needed

1. Shipping container or bioshipper (styrofoam/insulating inner shipper and cardboard outer shipper)
2. Cryostorage or swab storage boxes (2 or 4 inch depending on tube size)
3. Labels (with barcodes)
4. Newspaper
5. Rubber bands
6. Paper towels or other absorbent material
7. Biohazard Ziploc bags
8. Dry Ice (5 lbs. or 10 lbs.)
9. Shipping labels: UN 3373 (class B biohazard), UN1845 (dry ice), biohazard sticker

Shipping Container/Bioshipper

The shipping container or bioshipper consists of a corrugated cardboard box with an insulating Styrofoam box insert (1 to 2″ wall thickness). Insulated shipping containers are available from scientific supply companies such as Fisher (Thermo-Safe) or you can order directly from Salimetrics.

NOTE: Use the smallest bioshipper possible for your samples. Shipping rates are determined based on the outer box dimensions as well as “to” and “from” zip codes.

Testing Order Form

Packaging saliva samples

1. Primary specimen containers (vials, tubes, etc.) MUST be sealed and leak proof.
2. Determine the volume of your specimens to pack per size of bioshipper.
   • Small Bioshipper (12x10x16) – 5 lbs. of dry ice
   • Medium Bioshipper (16x14x13) – 10 lbs. of dry ice
   • Large Bioshipper (23x16x16) – 10 lbs. of ice
3. There must be enough absorbent material between the primary container and the insulated shipping carton to absorb all liquid if a leak occurs. (Crumpled newspaper used to stabilize contents against shipping can serve as your absorbent material.)
4. Place cryovials (2 mL) into a 9 x 9 cryostorage box (81 vials per box) or conical/swab storage tubes into a 7 x 7 grid box (49 tubes per box) – both available from Salimetrics.
5. Secure each storage box with rubber bands and place boxes inside biohazard Ziploc bags
6. Place the required amount of dry ice in the bottom of insulated shipper and cover with crumpled newspaper or other absorbent material.
7. Place biohazard Ziploc bag and storage boxes on top of newspaper.
8. Fill any remaining space on sides and between boxes with additional packing material (crumpled paper, newspaper, etc.) to prevent shifting.
9. Place several layers of newspaper on top of the specimens.
10. Place remaining dry ice for your sample volume on top of specimens and place the lid on the box.
11. REMEMBER: As the dry ice sublimates your samples may begin to shift. It is a good idea to loosely pack the container to the top. (DO NOT overstuff and crack the Styrofoam box!)
12. Place the TESTING SERVICES ORDER FORM inside a Ziploc bag. Lay the Ziploc bag inside the insulated box before closing the lid.
13. DO NOT TAPE the Styrofoam lid. Dry Ice containers must “breathe”
    • If the lid is “popping up”, remove excess packing material. DO NOT OVERFILL.
14. Seal the outer cardboard box with packing tape. DO NOT TAPE ALL SEAMS.
15. The outside of the box containing the bioshipper must bear the following labels:
    • UN3373 (Category B – Biological Substance)
    • UN1845 (Dry Ice)
    • Biohazard
      (see FedEx guidelines for more information)
16. The weight in kilograms must be written on the UN1845 (Dry Ice) hazard label.
17. Prepare any shipping papers per your institution’s, shipper’s, or carrier’s instructions.

Avoiding Shipping Problems

If you have any questions, please call PRIOR to shipping. Here’s a short list of helpful advice:

• DO NOT SHIP SAMPLES VIA USPS.
  
• Specimens that are not exempt require different labeling, warnings, and additional shipping papers.
• Ship Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday ONLY via PRIORITY (not First or Standard) Overnight delivery on dry ice.
• Please ship samples to Carlsbad address, Attn: Testing Services
• All samples MUST be frozen prior to shipment.
• Rubber bands should not come into direct contact with dry ice. They will break at cold temperatures.
• Never place samples directly on the dry ice.
• DO NOT send loose sample vials. Use Cryostorage boxes.
• DO NOT OVERPACK. Over-packed Styrofoam will crack and dry ice will be consumed faster.
• Regulations require that the diamond shaped dry ice sticker be placed on the outside of the shipping box.
• The amount of dry ice in kilograms, not pounds, must be noted on the sticker.
• Shipment will be delayed if not filled-out properly.
• If CLIA testing is required, please contact your testing coordinator for specific shipping instructions.

Shipping Samples to Salimetrics from Outside the United States

• Contact your local shipping authority for specific instructions regarding documentation that must accompany your samples.
• A deviation from the proper procedure will cause a delay in getting samples through United States Customs.
• Transit times may be more than one day. Please take this into account when packaging your samples.
• Shipping regulations differ outside of the United States. Please investigate this before shipping.
• Some countries may not allow shipments of dry ice.
• Dry ice may be difficult and/or impossible to obtain “in country”. Check availability before traveling outside the US!