Test Menu Overview

In order to comply with IMUGEN, Inc. testing standards, please read the following sections and complete the necessary Requisition Form.

Specimen Collection Guidelines

Serum: Whole blood should be collected aseptically into a red-top (non-anticoagulant) Vacutainer type or serum separator tube. The Vacutainer can be shipped prior to separation if necessary. If being separated, clot for 20-30 minutes, then separate the serum portion by centrifugation. The serum can be transferred into a plastic screw-capped, sterile vial. Seal the vial tightly. All specimen containers must be indelibly marked clearly with the patient name or patient code and the date of collection. A serum volume of 2.0 ml is requested for testing. If necessary, a minimum volume of 0.5 ml of serum may be submitted; however, this volume may preclude the ability to perform follow-up analysis.

Whole Blood: Whole blood should be collected aseptically into an EDTA (purple top) tube. Do not separate by centrifugation. All specimen containers must be indelibly marked clearly with the patient name or patient code and the date of collection. A whole blood volume of 5.0 ml is requested for testing. If necessary, a minimum volume of 2.0 ml of whole blood may be submitted; however, this volume may preclude the ability to perform follow-up analysis. * Heparin is not suitable.

Plasma: Whole blood should be collected aseptically into an EDTA (purple top) tube. The EDTA tube can be shipped prior to separation if necessary. The plasma portion should be separated by centrifugation and transferred into a plastic screw-capped, sterile vial. Seal the vial tightly. All specimen containers must be indelibly marked clearly with the patient name or patient code and the date of collection. A plasma volume of 2.0 ml is requested for testing. If necessary, a minimum volume of 0.5 ml of plasma may be submitted; however, this volume may preclude the ability to perform follow-up analysis.

CSF: The CSF should be collected aseptically and transferred into a plastic screw-capped, sterile vial. Seal the vial tightly. All specimen containers must be indelibly marked clearly with the patient name or patient code and the date of collection. The CSF volume of 2.0 ml is requested for testing. If necessary, a minimum volume of 0.5 ml of CSF may be submitted; however, this volume may preclude the ability to perform follow-up analysis. A concomitant serum specimen must accompany a CSF sample if a CSF/serum antibody ratio is to be determined.

Synovial Fluid: The synovial fluid should be collected aseptically and transferred into a plastic screw-capped, sterile vial. Seal the vial tightly. All specimen containers must be indelibly marked clearly with the patient name or patient code and the date of collection. A volume of 2.0 ml is requested for testing. If necessary, a minimum volume of 0.5 ml may be submitted; however, this volume may preclude the ability to perform follow-up analysis.

Notes:
In general, a single sample may be submitted for multiple tests provided there is sufficient volume
(i.e. for 3 tests add the minimum volume requirements).

If there is any question about the acceptability of a specimen, an IMUGEN Laboratory supervisor should be contacted (781) 255-0770 or 800-246-8436.

Shipping

When ready for shipping, refrigerated or previously frozen samples for antibody or PCR testing may be sent under ambient conditions (i.e. no ice required).

Shipment of any biological material must comply with the regulations of the DOT and IATA:

The primary receptacles must be leak-proof and must not contain more than one
liter (1 L).
The secondary packaging must be leak-proof.
If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.
Absorbent material must be placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging. The absorbent material must be in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacle(s) so that any release of the liquid substance will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material or the outer packaging.
The secondary container is placed in the outer cardboard mailing sleeve.
The test requisition is placed between the outer cardboard and shipping containers.
Specimens may be shipped via courier, overnight delivery service, or the U.S. Mail; where feasible, specimens may be picked up by courier, if arranged in advance with IMUGEN.

Care should be taken when collecting and handling specimens to avoid contaminating the outside of the container.

It is the responsibility of the submitter to insure proper packaging of the biological material which is being shipped.