Serum/Plasma Specimens - Specimen Submission

To submit a specimen for antibody testing for parasitic diseases:

1. For routine requests, submit the specimen to the appropriate city, county or state health department laboratory for processing and examination (see http://www.aphl.org). The specimens will be referred to CDC if necessary.
2. For an emergency, call the Immunodiagnostic Laboratory of the Division of Parasitic Diseases at (770) 488-4431 to make arrangements.

Shipping Requirements

Clinical specimens such as serum, CSF, and eye fluids must be triple packed in a primary receptacle, water tight secondary packaging, and a durable outer package for shipment as required by international regulations for biological agents of human disease. Figure 1 shows correct labeling and packaging of specimens (http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/b4acf1.htm):

1. Label the specimen tube with the patient ID and seal with waterproof tape. Wrap the tube in absorbent packing material.
2. Place the specimen tube in secondary packaging.
3. Place the secondary package in the outer packaging (i.e., the shipping container). Label the shipping container "Clinical Specimen" on the outside of the package.
4. Include the following information: submitter's name, address, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address; patient's name, age, brief clinical history, and travel history; specimen collection date; and test(s) requested.
5. Ship at room temperature by overnight/2 day carrier.

Additional information about shipping regulations may be found at:

1. Guidelines for the Safe Transport of Infectious Substances and Diagnostic Specimens, (World Health Organization)
2. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, (International Air Transport Association) http://www.iata.org/ps/publications/dgr/Pages/index.aspx
3. Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 100-185. Hazardous Materials regulations (Department of Transportation) http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/regs
4. Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 72. Interstate shipment of etiologic agents (Department of Health and Human Services) http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/shipregs.htm

For additional information shipping serum or plasma, call the Division of Parasitic Diseases at (404) 718-4100.