Packing guidelines
Samples must be packaged using a primary container for the specimen, a secondary leak-proof container enclosing the primary container, and a rigid outer container with shipping and return address labels.
Step 1. Primary container
- Place samples in a leak proof primary container
- Primary container examples:
- Sterile, leak proof tube (e.g., red top tube) for fluids and blood
- Properly sealed wide-mouth, break-resistant (not glass) bottles or Whirl-Pak®
- Primary container examples:
- Label primary container
- Label each primary containers with client name, animal name or other identifying information, and sample type (e.g., feces, uterine swab, etc.).
- Syringes with needles attached will be discarded upon receipt
Step 2. Secondary container
Place absorbent material in secondary container
- Primary container examples:
- A plastic jar surrounding a glass redtop tube
- A sealed Ziploc® or other sealable sandwich bag holding a Whirl-Pak®
- Styrofoam/insulated insert holding screwcap jars containing feces.
- Cold packs
- If sample needs to be shipped cold, use ice gel packs (not ice cubes) in an insulated container.
Step 3. Submission Form
- Place the completed submission form in a separate Ziploc® or other sealable sandwich bag.
Step 4. Outer shipping container and labeling
- Place secondary container(s), the completed submission form, cold pack (if applicable) into a rigid shipping container that can withstand transport such a rigid cardboard box, plastic cooler, or padded envelope.
- Label with shipping address and return address (see our shipping guidelines for more information including our UPS discounted shipping program).
- Write the order reference number on the shipping label.
Pullman
US Postal Service
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Washington State University
P.O. Box 647034
Pullman WA 99164-7034
UPS/FedEx/FedEx Air
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Washington State University
1940 SE Olympia Ave
Pullman WA 99164-7034
Puyallup branch
Avian Health Food Safety Lab
2607 W Pioneer
Puyallup WA 98371-4990