In the US the only publicly known place to have T-Spot TB processed is here,
Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories. It all sounds quite straightforward, until you reach the bit about
packaging
How do I store specimens prior to sending them to the lab?
Blood specimens must be stored at room temperature, 64-77°F (18-25°C), until packaged for transport.
After collecting a blood specimen how long do I have to send it to the lab?
Blood specimens must be shipped the same day they are collected.
Which requisition form should I use?
You have two options, the Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories T-SPOT.TB test requisition form or your own laboratory's requisition form.
What is a Cryopak® pouch?
Cryopak pouches incorporate Phase 22 phase change material (PCM). PCM is a material that uses phase changes (e.g. melting or freezing) to absorb or release heat at constant temperatures. These pouches will maintain the blood specimens at room temperature during transit to Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories.
How many Croypak pouches are used in one shipping container?
Two Cryopak pouches are used for each shipping container.
Can I use the Cryopak pouches immediately after removal from the refrigerator or 37°C incubator?
The Cryopak pouches should be left at room temperature for 30 minutes which will ensure that the pouches are at the appropriate temperature for transit. The pouches are then ready to be placed in the shipping container.
The shipping instructions indicate that I should store some of my Cryopaks in the refrigerator to keep them solid. If they are already solid do I need to do this?
Yes, because Cryopaks turn from solid to liquid at 72°F on a day when the room is warmer than 72°F. To ensure that on those days when the Cryopak pouches must be in a solid state for shipping, it is recommended that several pouches are stored in a refrigerator.
The shipping instructions indicate that I should store some of my Cryopaks in an incubator to keep them liquid. If they are already liquid do I need to do this?
Yes, because Cryopaks turn from liquid to solid at 72°F on a day when the room is 71°F. To ensure that on those days when the Cryropak pouches must be liquid state for shipping, it is recommended that several pouches are stored in a 37°C incubator.
How will I ship specimens to the lab?
Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories will provide shipping containers and packing materials at no additional cost to the customer. State-of-the-art phase change material ensures that the temperature range of the blood specimens is maintained during transit.
How many specimens will fit into one shipping container?
Four blood specimens will fit into one foam specimen tray. Two trays, containing up to 8 specimens, will fit in one shipping container.
What if I have more than 8 specimens to ship?
You will need to ship your specimens in two different shipping containers. Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories is currently developing a larger shipping container which will be available in the near future.
..When would a blood specimen be rejected?
A blood specimens would be rejected if:
* Received more than 32 hours from the time of collection
* Blood collection tube is not labeled
* Blood collection tube has been centrifuged prior to shipping
* Received refrigerated or frozen
* Specimen is collected in tubes that do not contain lithium or sodium heparin
* Blood collection tube is leaking or broken
* Blood collection tube is under-filled
* Blood specimens are not received in an Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories shipping container
