Sample Requirements

Sample Handling Requirements

For our tests, we require a 12 hour fasted serum sample for non-diabetic patients, and a 6 hour fasted serum sample for diabetic patients. 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.

Please find below the absolute minimum SERUM requirements. Any volume less than this can result in cancellation or incomplete testing.

*New: Discounted shipping available

We recommend that you send your sample with Fed-Ex or UPS.The various analytes have different stability in serum. Serum samples for folate analysis should be kept at 4ºC for not longer than 48 hours, but freezing is preferred. Furthermore, folate is light sensitive and samples should be stored in the dark or wrapped in foil. Serum TLI and PLI are stable for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. We recommend that samples with serum cobalamin/folate analysis as any portion of the testing be shipped overnight either frozen or at least with included ice packs to keep them cooled during shipment.

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.

Fecal samples for fecal alpha 1 - Proteinase Inhibitor testing need to arrive frozen at the laboratory. We highly recommend shipping such samples overnight on dry ice.

Please prepare your package:

1. Plastic, leak-proof sample tubes in a sealed plastic bag (i.e., ziploc) with enough absorbent material to soak entire contents in case of a spill.
2. Several frozen gel ice packs to account for longer transport or dry ice (Shipping dry ice has specific regulations; please contact your carrier for instructions). Please, do not include ice cubes.
3. Packing material for extra padding
4. We are offering discounted shipping by using preprinted shipping labels available through our web page (please contact the lab for more information). Please note that the GI Lab does not accept packages marked "Bill Receiver".
5. Somewhere on the outside of the package, as well as on the shipping label, please mark "Exempt Animal Specimen." This is a requirement of the Texas Department of Transportation.
6. Please include a completed Submission Form inside the package with your sample.

International Shipments

In addition to the guidelines listed above, please include the following:
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."

Shipping information for fecal PCR, IFA, and Bacterial Toxin Assays

We need approximately 1 gram of fecal material. For storage and shipping, please collect the sample and store in the refrigerator for up to one week before shipping. Fresh samples are ideal. Please ship samples cooled overnight with gel ice packs.

PLEASE NOTE: We are offering discounted shipping by using preprinted shipping labels available through our web page (please contact the lab for more information).