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Microbiology - Mycobacteriology

Specimen Shipment

Specimens should be submitted in double-walled mailing containers.  Glass tubes should be wrapped in absorbent cushioning material before they are inserted in mailing containers.  Mailers for submitting clinical specimens and for reference cultures are available from the Laboratory mail room.  To facilitate safe handling, the following general suggestions are made:

  1. Put patient's name on specimen tube.  Unlabeled specimens will not be tested; they will be discarded
  2. Screw caps on tubes tightly.  This is especially important with the plastic-capped centrifuge tubes in the Sputum mailer.  These plastic caps must be turned to the point of total resistance to prevent leakage.  If caps are sufficiently tight, sealing with separate material, such as tape or Parafilm (never use paraffin, as it interferes with processing), will not be necessary.  If tube appears to be leaking after cap is tightened, transfer to another tube.  For safety reasons, leaking and broken specimens will not be tested
  3. Place properly completed DHHS form #1247, for each specimen or isolate in the outer container to avoid contamination in case of breakage or leakage.  Screw cap on properly.  Do not use any kind of tape to secure cap
  4. When shipping by U.S. mail; use first-class postage and place return address of submitting agency on the outside of the container.   Do not put only patient information on the outside of the container.
  5. Do not put any patient information on the outside of the container.
  6. Mail specimens as soon as possible after collection to avoid overgrowth of possible contaminants.  Refrigerate if mailing is delayed longer than a few hours.  CDC recommends specimens be sent to the lab within 24 hours of collection.
  7. Do not submit subcultures until good growth occurs. Do not submit mixed or contaminated cultures.
  8. Indicate "Mycobacteriology" or "TB Unit" on outside of mailing container, as this will not only facilitate mail handling, but will also protect personnel from unnecessary exposure

Relevant Links:

See also:

Last Modified: March 26, 2009 3:49 PM