ChaoFamilyComprehensiveCancerCenter – Prevention Research Office

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIMEN TRANSPORT

General Notes

  1. All specimens sent in the mail will comply with the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations. Personnel involved in shipping samples will receive appropriate training in shipping of dangerous good.
  2. Call or email Jinah Chung (714-456-8442/) before shipping.
  3. Request the tracking # and email delivery confirmation.
  4. Ship out on Mondays or Tuesdays only.
  5. Ship Federal Express Priority Overnight to:

Jinah Chung

UCI Medical Center – Prevention Research

101 The City Drive S.

Bldg 23, Rm 406

Orange, CA 92868

Frozen Specimens (serum, blood, urine, etc):

  1. Check that each vial is labeled properly, and create a packing slip with a detailed list of contents including Participant ID, Participant Initials, Visit Date, and Specimen Type. The Sample Transfer Form can be used as a packing slip.
  2. Send the packing slip electronically. Also include a hard copyin a sealed plastic bag with the shipment.
  3. Batch ship vials upright in freezer boxes with dividers. Secure each freezer box with rubber band or tape. Enclose the freezer box within a sealed plastic bag.
  4. Place a layer of dry ice in the bottom of a Styrofoam container, then the plastic bag with the freezer box, and then fill the remainder with more dry ice.

*note* Use about 5-10 pounds of dry ice, or enough to last 48 hours.

  1. Secure the Styrofoam lid and container with tape. Place the Styrofoam container in a cardboard box and seal with tape.

*note* Remember to use a Dry Ice label and a UN3373 Category B label on the cardboard box. The weight on the label must match the weight entered on the air bill.

Other Specimens (biopsy blocks, slides, etc):

  1. Check that each specimen is labeled properly, and create a packing slip with a detailed list of contents including Participant ID, Participant Initials, Visit Date, and Specimen Type. The Sample Transfer Form can be used as a packing slip.
  2. Send the packing slip electronically. Also include a hard copy with the shipment.
  3. Place the specimens in an appropriate container for shipment. For example, slides in a slide box and blocks in a sealed plastic bag.
  4. Wrap the container with protective padding to ensure its safety during shipment.

Version Date: 06/28/2011