Packing and Transport

Packaging Information

The majority of packages containing samples to be sent to the Institute will only require to be sent in a sturdy package and will not be subject to transport regulations for dangerous goods.

Samples should be labelled "Diagnostic Sample"

Responsibility for ensuring a suitable and correct packaging is used lies with the sender.

Packaging and transport of Histology samples

It is advised that, if possible, tissues are fixed for 24 hours prior to transport. Samples can then be drained of formalin, wrapped in wet tissue and placed in sealable plastic bags for transport. This avoids transporting buffered formalin pots in the post and reduces the weight of the parcel. As long as tissues remain moist after fixation then they will remain in a suitable state for histopathological processing. Tissues freshly placed in buffered formalin pots can be transported if it is important to submit the samples to the laboratory quickly.

Tissues in formalin should not be send in the same parcel as bacteriology plates or virology tissues.

Packaging and transport of Bacteriology plates

Fish for bacteriological analysis are preferably submitted live to the Institute but if plates have to be transported to the laboratory then some simple precautions should be taken.

  • Tape up all plates round the edge using a flexible film e.g. Nescofilm.
  • Pack plates in a solid container which will not get damaged during transport.
  • Label plates clearly on the base with sample number
  • Do not place plates in the same package as formalin samples

Packaging and transport of Virology samples

It is very important that samples for virology are packaged and transported correctly. There are a number of simple but important points to be aware of.

It is often best to use specific courier services for this sort of submission, and usually sensible to send them at the beginning of a week to ensure that they arrive at the laboratory before Friday afternoon.

For Cell Culture:

  • Sampes should be placed in sterile containers for transport
  • Samples must be transported cold but not frozen (on ice / ice packs)
  • Samples must be fresh for laboratory analysis, idealy received within 24 hours of removal from the fish but certainly within 48 hours.
  • Sample containers must be clearly identified with water resistant markings

For PCR:

  • Ideally live fish should be brought to Stirling.
  • Samples can be transported in RNA later and these should be sent on ice