Collecting, packaging, handling, and transporting ZRL samples

This page contains information on how to collect, package, handle, and transport core lab specimens, parasitology specimens, micorbiology specimens, histopathology specimens, and cytology specimens for Zoetis Reference Laboratories (ZRL). For additional information and tips on packaging, collecting, handling, and transporting specimens, see the ZRL Directory of Services, Sample Guidelines and Submissions section.

Core lab specimens

Core Lab specimens include whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, other liquid samples and blood smears (slides).

  • Label all tubes with the patient’s first and last name.

  • Serum, plasma or sometimes urine cannot be differentiated visibly. Be sure to label the tube with the type of sample it contains. Plasma must be further differentiated as containing EDTA, Citrate or Heparin plasma.

  • Refrigerate within 30 minutes of collection and keep refrigerated until sample pickup.

  • Do not freeze samples unless expressly indicated in the test menu.

  • If shipping refrigerated samples via UPS, include a frozen ice pack in the packaging. Wrap the ice pack in a paper towel or similar covering to avoid direct contact with the sample, which may cause the sample to freeze.

  • For CBC submissions, we recommend making a blood smear at the time of sample collection. Store any prepared slides at room temperature. Refrigeration of glass slides causes condensation that can destroy the sample. Submit any prepared slides along with the sample tubes.

  • Samples that must be shipped frozen require additional special handling. Contact Customer Support at 1-888-965-0652 or via ZoetisDx for specific shipping recommendations.

See the blood sample collection and submission guidelines, which includes best practices for whole blood, plasma, serum, and urine.

Parasitology specimens

Parasitology specimens include feces.

  • Refrigerate as soon as possible after collection and keep refrigerated until sample pickup.

  • Include a frozen ice pack in the packaging.

  • Wrap the ice pack in a paper towel or similar covering to avoid direct contact with the sample, which may cause the sample to freeze.

Microbiology specimens

Microbiology specimens include culture swabs, liquid samples (e.g., urine), tissue and feces.

  • Collect specimens as aseptically as possible to prevent overgrowth by normal flora.

  • Collect before the administration of microbials, whenever possible.

  • Label sample with the patient’s first and last name, the source/site, and date of collection.

  • Store and ship culture swabs at room temperature.

  • Refrigerate urine, feces or tissue being submitted for culture within 30 minutes of collection, and keep refrigerated until sample pickup.

  • If shipping refrigerated samples via UPS, include a frozen ice pack in the packaging. Wrap the ice pack in a paper towel or similar covering to avoid direct contact with the sample, which may cause the sample to freeze.

  • Do not send needles, razors, broken glass, plastic or anything sharp with your sample or as your sample.

  • Please properly discard used needles or other sharps prior to transportation. For the submission of syringes, the needle must be removed and the syringe capped prior to transportation to ensure there is no leakage.

See the microbiology sample collection and submission guidelines.

Histopathology specimens

Histopathology specimens include biopsies — formalin-fixed and fresh tissue.

  • Complete the requisition form as indicated for pathology submissions. History and description of the lesion are vital to a quality histopathology report.

  • Indicate the number of containers and specimens being sent so the lab can appropriately verify receipt of all samples.

  • Label the container(s) with the patient’s first and last name, collection date, and source of specimen. Ensure this labeling matches information supplied on the requisition form.

  • Fresh tissue must be kept cold with bagged ice or ice packs during shipment to avoid tissue necrosis. See below for additional guidance.

  • Place the specimen and any forms in separate, sealed plastic bags. Double bag specimens, whenever possible.

  • Ice packs and bags can break or leak during shipping, which is why we stress sealing accompanying forms in separate, sealed plastic bags.

Formalin-fixed tissue

  • Always place tissues in 10% neutral buffered formalin to ensure appropriate fixation. A 10:1 formalin to tissue ratio is recommended.

  • In extreme cold, add isopropyl or ethyl alcohol to your formalin jars (1 part alcohol to 10 parts formalin) to prevent freezing. Note “alcohol added” on the container or in the submission notes.

  • In extreme heat, submit samples in an insulated shipping container with frozen ice packs.

Fresh tissue

  • In extreme cold, submit samples in an insulated shipping container and include cold (not frozen) soft gel ice packs.

  • In extreme heat, submit samples in an insulated shipping container with frozen ice packs.

See the histopathology sample collection and submission guidelines.

Cytology specimens

Cytology specimens include customer-prepared slides and liquid samples.

  • Use new, clean glass slides with a frosted edge.

  • Using a pencil (ink labeling can wash off), label slides clearly on the frosted edge with the patient name and sites.

  • Store any prepared slides at room temperature. Refrigeration of glass slides causes condensation that can destroy the sample.

  • For shipping cytology slides, we recommend using hard plastic slide boxes designed for this purpose. Ensure all slides have completely air-dried before packaging. DO NOT enclose slides in slide boxes prior to drying, as this can damage the sample due to humidity.

  • Avoid shipping any cytology slides or liquid samples inside packaging that also contains any form of formalin. Fumes can escape from closed formalin containers or liquid formalin can leak en route. Both formalin fumes and liquid formalin can destroy a cytology slide.

  • Refrigerate any liquid samples (e.g., cavitary effusion, CSF) until sample pickup.

  • If liquid samples are being shipped for cytology, include a frozen ice pack in the packaging. Wrap the ice pack in a paper towel or similar covering to avoid direct contact with the sample, which may cause the sample to freeze.

  • If a liquid cytology sample is intended for cytological examination, we recommend using an EDTA tube. If a liquid cytology sample is also intended for culture, submit an additional sterile, no-additive tube aliquot.

  • We recommend preparing a direct fluid smear at the time of liquid specimen sample collection. Submit any prepared slides with the sample tubes of liquid samples.

See the cytopathology sample collection and submission guidelines.