Specimen Collection & Shipping
Collection & Processing
Specimen processing is one of the most important aspects in the generation of accurate and reliable lab results. Many variables, such as anticoagulant ratio, storage time and temperature, the surface of containers, and drawing components can affect test results.
Machaon Diagnostics follows and recommends the use of the third edition of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) guideline H21-A3: Collection, Transport, and Processing of Blood Specimens for Coagulation Testing and General Performance of Coagulation Assays.
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Specimen Collection Guide
Please contact us with any collection questions you might have.
Processing for Serum
Collect whole blood into red tube
Gently invert the tube(s) several times to adequately mix and then allow the whole blood to clot (e.g. 30 minutes)
Centrifuge the collection tube(s) (e.g. 1500g for 15 minutes)
Transfer the serum to an aliquot tube without disturbing the clot
Label all aliquots clearly with:
- Patient’s full name
- Date of birth
- Collection date & time
- Sample type (serum)
Processing for EDTA Plasma
Collect whole blood into lavender/purple tube
Gently invert the tube(s) several times to adequately mix
Centrifuge the collection tube(s) (e.g. 1500g for 15 minutes)
Transfer the plasma to an aliquot tube without disturbing the cells.
Label all aliquots clearly with:
- Patient’s full name
- Date of birth
- MRN
- Collection date & time
- Sample type (EDTA plasma)
Processing for Citrated Plasma
Collect whole blood into a light blue tube. A 9:1 ratio of whole blood to anticoagulant is critical. Do not process tubes that are partially filled.
Gently invert the tube(s) several times to adequately mix
Centrifuge the collection tube(s) (e.g. 1500g for 15 minutes)
Transfer the platelet poor plasma (<10,000 platelets/μl required, double spin suggested) to another tube. See test details page for volume requirements.
Label all aliquots clearly with:
- Patient’s full name
- Date of birth
- MRN
- Collection date & time
- Sample type (citrated plasma)
Important Note: Store processed samples at the appropriate storage condition (room temperature or frozen). Refer to the test profile page for specific storage conditions and stability information.
Shipping Room Temperature Samples
Please contact us with any shipping questions you might have
The following instructions apply to room-temperature samples being shipped to Machaon Diagnostics using our test kits, which may be ordered here. Alternatively, you may substitute your own supplies. Please follow the appropriate shipping instructions for the corresponding sample storage conditions.
Please refer to Specimen Collection Instructions for directions on how to process collected samples for serum or plasma, if needed.
- Box with styrofoam insert
- Collection tube(s) or swab corresponding to the test kit
- Aliquot tube(s) - for processed specimens (included in select kits only)
- Completed test requisition
- Biohazard specimen bag with absorbent sheet
- FedEx ClinPak
- FedEx Airbill (prefilled with Machaon Diagnostics account number and address)
- Adhesive document sleeve to affix FedEx Airbill to FedEx ClinPak
Packaging your Sample
Fold the completed test requisition and place it in the outer pocket of the biohazard specimen bag.
Place the absorbent sheet into the styrofoam insert.
Place the collection tube (if sending whole blood), or processed sample(s) into the styrofoam insert. All samples must be properly labeled and leak proof. If needed, please use parafilm to secure the cap to the tube and prevent leakage.
Close the styrofoam insert and place it in the cardboard box.
Securely close the cardboard box and place it in the biohazard specimen bag.
Place the biohazard specimen bag into the FedEx ClinPak.
Seal the FedEx ClinPak.
On the back of the ClinPak, check off the box indicating that the package contains an “Exempt Human Specimen.”
Remove the adhesive backing from the document sleeve and attach it to the outside of the FedEx ClinPak.
Fill out the “From” section of the FedEx Airbill.
Seal the FedEx Airbill inside the document sleeve.
The package is now ready to be shipped via FedEx.
Shipping Frozen Samples
Please contact us with any shipping questions you might have
The following instructions apply to frozen samples being shipped to Machaon Diagnostics. Please follow the appropriate shipping instructions for the corresponding sample storage conditions.
Please refer to Specimen Collection Instructions for directions on how to process collected samples for serum or plasma.
- Insulated styrofoam shipping container
- Outer cardboard box
- 5lbs. of dry ice
- Labeled, frozen sample(s)
- Completed test order form
- Biohazard specimen bag with absorbent sheet
- UN1845 Dry Ice Sticker and UN3373 Category B Sticker
- Packing tape
- Shipping label and document sleeve to affix to box
Packaging your Sample
Fold the completed test requisition and place it in the outer pocket of the biohazard specimen bag.
Place the associated frozen sample(s) and an absorbant sheet into the biohazard specimen bag. All samples must be properly labeled.
Add enough dry ice to cover the bottom of the styrofoam shipping container.
Place the biohazard specimen bag(s) on top of the dry ice.
Fill the styrofoam shipping container with additional dry ice until a total of approximately 5lbs per shipping day has been added.
Secure the lid on the styrofoam shipping container with packing tape.
Place the styrofoam shipping container in the outer cardboard box and seal with packing tape.
Fill out the UN1845 dry ice sticker.
Affix the UN1845 dry ice sticker and the UN3373 Category B sticker to the outside of the box.
Affix the shipping label to the box. To ensure it is protected against water damage, enclose it in a document sleeve or cover with packing tape.
Make sure there are no other barcodes or labels on the shipping box that may prevent the package from being scanned and tracked in transit.
The package is now ready to be shipped. Call FedEx to schedule a pickup.
* If dry ice is not immediately available or the package is not picked up by the end of the day, store the biohazard specimen bag(s) containing the frozen sample(s) in the freezer to maintain specimen integrity. Do not allow sample(s) to begin to thaw.
** Machaon Diagnostics recommends including 5lbs of dry ice per day in shipment. If the package is being shipped on Friday for Saturday delivery, consider including 10lbs of dry ice to prevent the sample(s) from being thawed in transit in case of shipping delays.