Step 1.

Fill out an Order Form ensuring that at least two specimen identifiers are included on both the order form and the specimen itself.

Step 2.

Package the order form along with the specimen. The following table describes shipping conditions and preferred specimen handling procedures for samples submitted to the Molecular Microbiology Lab. Please refer to the list of Acceptable Specimens for more information.

Specimen Type	Specimen Handling Information
Cultured Isolates	Bacteria or fungi growing on solid media are preferred Specimens submitted in broth culture are also accepted Fresh subculture of viable organism required Keep organisms at room temperature.
Tissues	Fresh frozen specimen preferred. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue is also accepted. Formalin dramatically reduces the sensitivity of the assays due to reduced template yield and quality. Fresh tissue is the optimal specimen of choice, as it reduces the chance of introducing exogenous DNA templates or microorganisms during embedding/fixation. Submit fresh frozen tissue specimens frozen (on dry ice). Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue can be sent at room temperature.

Step 3.

Ship specimens adhering to the above criteria via courier service (e.g. FedEx) to the following address:

Please feel free to contact us with questions on how to submit a specimen.

• Available Tests
• Submitting a Specimen
• Order Form
• Acceptable Specimens
• Clinical Significance
• Contact Us
• Resources
• About Us
• Site Map
• Wiki